South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-11-15
G. 0. P. IS DIVIDED
ON SUBSIDY ISSUE
Passage of Ship Legislation Is
Doubtful With Democrats
Against 1t.
Ry LOUIs LUDLOW.

WASHINGTON, Nov 14.-Enact-
ment of Pres't Harding's ship SUBJ
sidy legislation has been placed in
further jeopardy by the election out
come. in the opinion OF COMPRESSION
al leaders who unhesitatingly ex-
press their belief that it would be
a political mistake for the admins
tration to attempt to push the bill
through congress in the face of the
formidable opposition that has de-
veloped. Doubt of Republican
willingness to accept the presidents
proposal. even though he makes 4
direct appeal to congress, is voiced
by several managers of the house
of representative who hitherto
have. acquiesced in the presidents
leadership IN legislation affairs
The Republicans in congress are
divided into two groups on the sub
sidy question while the Democrats
are almost solidly opposed 10 the
proposed legislation. Members OF
one Republican group, legislators
who have favored the presidents
prCpCeal from the outset are con-
tending that the legislation must be
rushed without delay in order to as,
sure enactment by the present
strongly Republican congress before
the big majority of the party in
power gives way 10 the smaller and
more fixed majority upon which the
administration will have to lean aft
er the new congress. elected the
other day. comes into official exist
ence.
The second group is made up OF
Republicans always lukewarm in
their support Of the subsidy and now
positively cold toward It. Some OF
these members were defeated this
week but already are looking for
ward TO a comeback In public life
Some succeeded in getting reflect
ed but shiver whenever they think
OF their reduced majOrities and are
anxious TO follow a course that VIII
commend them to their constituents
and make their denomination and
reelection two years hence easier
than II was this year.
Regardless CT It's merits as con-
structlve legislation, Republicans
generally regard the ship subsidy as
a political liability and appear 70 be
unwilling TO strain their hold on
the voters.
Pres't Harding Is reported by his
friends tofbe determined TO DO what
he can TO force the Legislation. II
Is for this that he Is calling con-
gress In special session two weeks
ahead OF the regular session. He
wishes the house 70 get an early
start on the bill so that II may be
kept ahead OF the annual supply
bills which ordinarily have the right
OF way IN short sessions. How ur-
gently he will demand action after
congress meets remains TO be seen
Some OF his friends are counselins
a continuation OF the moderation
that has marked his dealings with
the legislative branch q the gov
eminent. They dislike the though;
Of the president meeting with
blunt rebuff from congress for fear
that future cooperation may be .m-,
periled. II IS highly important say
these friends. that the president be
on good terms with the Republicans
Of the next congress for the sake OF
party achievements.
Even though the special session 10
start Nov. 20 makes no Roadway on
the subsidy an early starting OF the
legislative machinery on the many
important subjects 70 come before
congress next winter viii be OF value
say congressional leaders. particu-
larry II the administration continues
its hope OF avoiding a special ses-
sion OF congress after March 4.