Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1922-05-21
By ROBERT r. A


Copyright. 1922. By The Great Falls Tribune.
Washington, May 2O.-Although the
entire house of representatives is up
for reelection this fall. and although
the house offers the democrats their
only chance of obtaining a share of III
thority in the federal government, the
political interest of the year seems to
center in the United States senate.
This is due to the fact that the house
has been "A sort of submerged tenth in
the national government of late and
few of it's members are nationally
known. On the other hand, some Of
the most prominent men of the SEN
ate are in running this year and public
interest naturally r%evolves about them.
Several of the senator's who must
face the music this year, both in the
primaries and at the polls, are init
mate friends of President Harding
and their fate at the hands. of the
people is being watched as an index
to the favor of the administration gen
orally throughout the country. In An
off-year like this, however, local con-
ditions very often obscure national is
ues and make general political deduc-
tons increasingly difficult.
Women Wipe Out Old Signs
The primaries thus far held have
been of interest principally to the re-
publicans. They have been spicy
enough to show that unusual political
u~ndercurrents are flowing and more
than one g. o. Z. senator usually COM
placent at this season of the year is
wondering just what the tickle and re-
volving fates may have in store for
him. The women vote unquestionably
is the enigma.
1t is the first time the women have
taken part in party selections, and
many of the old signs are going awry
in the face of this new element in the
body polite. The term of 33 sitting
senator's expire on March + next. At
least IS and. possibly. %. of these SEN
ators are seeking or have sought re-
nomination and election. Senator Harry
$. New. of Indiana. close personal
friend of the president, is the first of
the senators seeking denomination to
be defeated.
Stand-off Best Guess
The present make up of the senate
is: Republicans. 90; democrats. 80.
There is every indication that this
preponderant republican majority will
he little changed by the elections this
i"il. u ~ ~ L III thut |
they will gain seven seats. UnQues-
tionabIy there are eight doubtful spots
among the IL democratic senatorships
which expire next March.
Democrats are claiming that they |
will gain a seat or two, for there are
perhaps five doubtful spots among the
Is republican senatorships which are |
up for decision at the November polls. !
Keen political observers who have
studied the situation are Of the opinion
that u stand-off this year would be sat
isfactory TO both parties and that is
precisely what is likely to happen. No
democrat is radical enough to predict
that the political complexion of the SEN
ate can be changed this year, or even
made close.
Democrats TO Come Back in House
I'm the house things are somewhat
Many so-called rock-ribbed
democratic districts crashed in the re-
publican column two years ago under
the impetus of the 1000 900 majority
given to President Harding.
Most of these will swing back to nor
malcy this year and send democrats
once more to the lower branches. Some
are hopeful. but when it is
that s. of Sc districts must
be overturned To accomplish such q re-
suit. the size of the task confronting
the democratic party managers is cas-
lily appreciated.
Expiring Terms |,
Senators whose terms expire next