The Rock Island Argus and daily union. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1920-1923, 1922-11-08
DEMOCRAT GAIN
BAD FOR C. o. r.,
LAWRENCE SAYS
Repubs Keep Respon.
sibilify But Lose
Some Poxver.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.


American people are still voting in
the negative. They have not chang
ed their mood from 1920 but this
time it was the Republican party
which had to bear the brunt of
popular discomfort. Analysis of
the returns show clearly that
whether Republican or a Demo-
crat was defeated, the reasons are
to be found in the protesting atti-
tude of the electorate rather than
in an affirmative search for a
constructive alternative. No guild
ing principle can be applied except
one, namely that when the public
is dissatisfied it turns from one
party to the other irrespective OF
whether the latter has a better
program or definite policy.
The turnover this year is prac-
tically as great as it was in 1910
in the middle of the Taft admins
tfation. II the Republican party
had not luckily obtained such a
big majority in 1920 in both the
senate and house, they would have
lost control Of both this time. As
it is, the Democratic gains in the
house are such that while the Re-
publicans will be left with full re-
sponsibility for the performance
Of the house they will not have the
comfortable control or flexibility
necessary to push strictly party
measures through such an un-
wieldy body ~ the lower branch.
The opportunity for group coali-
tions have been increased. There
will be more chance fer "blocs" IN
congress than ever before. These
naturally will retard progress and
initiate against the party IN pow
er which would be anxious to make
as good record as possible for
1924.
Demos Are Cheered.
Speaking of 1924, the returns
certainly have heartened the
Democrats at a time when their
morale has been lowest The
populous eastern states have
shown a readiness to turn back to
Democracy even after so short a
period of two years for it is just
"a months ago that they helped
bury the Democrats under the
greatest avalanche in American
history.
II looks today as II the Demo
cratic party would provide Itself
with new leaders both inside and
outside Of congress. Senator Os-
car Underwood has announced that
his health will not permit him tc
accept the leadership Of his party
in the senate. Mr.. Hitchcock Of
Nebraska, who was runner-up in
the fight for Democratic leader in
the senate, has been defeated fol
reelection. Senator Pat Harrison
Of Mississippi, an aggressive type
Of political leader, is likely to be
chosen. Cardall Hull, Democratic
national chairman. has been elect.
ed to the house from Tennessee
II he retains the Craftsmanship il
will be the first time in recent his
tory that q national party organ
ization will have been directed from
the halls Of congress. 1t may bt
that he will find 1t impossible tt
discharge his duties in congress
and do the work needed Of ma
tional chairman in the two years
before a presidential election. The
national chairman will have t.
travel great deal as the Demo
cats lack organization everywhere
Mr.. Hull will have a good deal te
do with the leadership OF the house
though he will probably not be the
titular chieftain there.
sAp' Smith Popular.
Examining the results OF these
different elections it Is apparent
that Al Smith ran true to form il
New York state. He did cut dowr
Governor Miller's majority up
state as predicted and had to hi
advantage an immense majority II
New York city. Personal popu
larity had more to do with the re
suit than any other factor-Mr
Continued on Page Eighteen.)