The New York herald., 1922-12-12
CommOner's Visit Forecasts
Bitter Struggle With
Extremists.
WILSON DEMAND RISES
Democrats Becoming More In
sistent That Hc Resume
Active leadership.
by LOUIS sEIBoLD.

BY LOUIS sEIBOLD.
Special Dispatch to TUE NEW York HEHALp.
New York Herald Bureau,
Washington, ID. c., Dec. IL.
The Democratic party will also be
compelled to wrestle with the radical
problems raised by the recent cleo
tions, which to date have monopolized
the attention of Republican leaders.
Surface indications clearly point to
a bitter struggle for the control of the
party Of which Woodrow Wilson is
still the supreme leader. Mr.. Wilson's
views on the radical phases developed
in the politics of the country are
matter of conjecture or factional in
depreciation. There is little question
that he will be listened to with greater
respect than any other member of his
party.
Unmistakable signs of Mr.. Wilson's
recovery of his former vigor are the
occasion Of a rising demand among
Democrats that he resume the leader
ship of his party The reins of leader
ship, however, never really have fallen
from his grasp, as has been apparent
on every great occasion when he has
expressed his views.
Demand for Wilson Insistcnt.
Every word from him mas been re-
ceived by his following as carrying the
greatest significance, and now with his
returning strength the demand thnt
he assume the open and formal lead
ership OF his party to the exclusion OF
other activities Is most insistent.
1t Is undisputed that this demand is
receiving his earnest attention and
may result in some announcement
looking to a responsive concentration
of his energies with greater freedom
OF action.
Since his retirement from the Presi-
dency Mr.. Wilson has been the senior
member of the law firm of Wilson &
Colby. His partner and associate has
been cambridge Colby, who was Sec
retary of State during the last year of
Mr. Wilson's service as President.
The firm of Wilson & Colby has main
taned offices in both New York and
Washington.
Whether Mr.. Wilson can finally con-
y
is something else again. At present
none of the other leaders who failed
where he succeeded appears to be
strong enough to dispute his influence.
That the former President will find
opposition in his party to any pro-
gram he may frame for its guidance
there can be little reason to doubt.
Recent influences reveal with unmis-
taxable clearness the tremendous
growth of radical sentiment in the
Democratic party.
Pronounced Division of Sentiment.
Tho reappearance to-day on the
political stage of William J. Bryan,
thrice defeated Democratic nominee
for the Presidency, served to crystal
ize the trend of Democratic sentiment
toward extreme radicalism. When
ever Mr. Bryan comes up for air there
is a fair chance for trouble. His ac-
tivities at the Capitol during the day
provoked a pronounced division of
party sentiment In several notable di-
rections. One OF the effects OF his In
trusion on the Congressional field was
10 inject an unexpected irritant into
the contest for the Democratic leader
ship of the Senate. which Oscar w.
Underwood OF Alabama will surrender
voluntarily at the close of the session
In March.
Mr.. Underwood made known his
decision TO retire several weeks ago.
His explanation was that he desired
tc take rest. Some of Senator
Underwood's associates believe fur
ther reason is his apprehension that
the Democratic party Will be finally
dominated by extreme radical infiu-
cnces. with which he holds little SYM
pathy.
His announcement that ne would
surrender the Senate leadership has
provoked a spirited contest between
the older and most conservative ele-
ment In 1t. headed by Senator Furni-
fold NJ Simmons of North Carolina
and the younger and so-called pro-
sressive wing. who are supporting
Senator Joseph r. Robinson (Ark.)
for the party leadership.
The thirty-six Democrats in the
present Senate appear to be about
evenly divided between Mr.. Simmons
and Mr.. Robinson. The partisans are
already seeking the support of the
Democratic Senators elected last
month-Copeland OF New York. Ed
wards of New Jersey. Bayard Of Della
ware, Bruce of Maryland. Nealy of
West Virginia, Ferris of Michigan and
Raston of Indiana.
Mr. Bryan ran true TO form by pro-
posing to Democratic Senators with
whom he talked the name of Senator
Continued on Pnge Five.