The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1922-11-09

/ Special Dispatch TO The Reformer.)
- Copyright 1922.
WASHINGTON. Nov. 9-The
American people are still voting in the
negative. They have not changed their
mood from 1920. but this time it was the
Republican party which had to bear the
brunt OF popular discomfort. Analysis
OF the return shows clearly that whether
a Republican or a Democrat was de-
feated the reasons are to be found in
he protesting attitude of the electorate
rather than in am affirmative search for
constructive alternative. No guiding
principle can he applied except one,
namely. that when the public is dissatis-
fled II turns from one party to the other,
irrespective of whether the latter has Il
better program or a definite policy.
The turnover this year is practically
as great as it was in 1920 in the middle
of the Taft administration. If the Re
publican party had not luckily obtained
such Il big ma lorIty 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 Republicans will be left
with full responsibility for the perform
ance Of the house, they will not have the
comfortable control or fleXibility neces-
sary to push strictly party measures
through such an unwieldly body as the
lower branch. The opportunities for
group coalitions have been increased
There will be more chance for ''blocs' in
congress than ever before. These nat
urally will retard progress and initiate
against the party in power which will
be anxious to make as good record as
possible for 1924.
Friming for 1924.
Speaking of 1924. the returns certainly
have heartened the Democrats at Il time
when their morale has been lowest. The
populOus eastern states have shown
readiness to turn back TO Democracy
even after so short Il period of two years,
! for il is just "a months ago that they
helped bury the Democrats under the
greatest avalanche in American history.
1t looks today as if the Democratic
party would provide itself with new
!. leaders, both inside and outside of con-
ereSs. Senator Oscar Underwood has an
nounced that his health will not permit
him to accept the leadership of his party
in the senate. Mr.. Hitchcock of Ne
braSka who was runner-up in the fight
been defeated for reelection. Senator
Pat Harrison of Mississippi, an aggreS-
Sive type of political leader, is likely to
be chosen. COrdeIl Hull, Democratic ma
tional chairman, has been elected to the
house from Tennessee. If he retains the
Craftsmanship it will be the first time in
recent history that a national party or
ganization will have been directed from
the halls of congress. 1t may be that he
will find it impossible to discharge his
duties in congress and do the work
needed of a national chairman in the two
years before Il presidential election. The
national chairman will have TO travel
great deal as the Democrats lack organ
ization everywhere. Mr.. Hull will have
a good deal to do with the leadership of
the house. though he will probably not
be the titular chieftain there.
Personal Victory for Smith.
Examining the results of the different
elections. it is apparent that Al Smith
ran true to form in New York state. He
did cut down Governor AIiller's major
ity upstate as predicted. and had to his
advantage an immense majority in New
York city. Personal popularity had
more to do with the result than any other
factor Mr.. Smith was unusually well
liked and Mr.. Miller was net a popular
type mt all, though his record was better
than the vote for him would seem to in
dictate. 1t means that President Hard
ing alone pulled him through in 1920 and
that the Democrats have taken sweet
revenge by pulling through a Democratic
senator on the strength of Al Smith :
landslide.
Maryland retired Senator France and