The New York herald., 1922-12-18

pected from that quarter. The sue
cess of the President in procuring the
support OF the leaders Of the farm
bloc in his own party for his plan OF
relieving depression in the agricul-
tural sections OF the country provoked
further perturbation among the rad
icals.
Wedge Driven by HARDING.
By moving 10 Immediately relieve
the agricultural situation the Presi-
dent succeeded IN driving wedge in
between the leaders of the farm bloc
and the extreme radicals OF the La
Toilette type
This in itself strengthened the con-
fdence of conservative Republican
leaders that on the showdown radical
plans would fail. What is to happen
in the next Congress is something
else again. With the advent of sew
eral voluble additions to the small
but select radical group in the pres
ent Congress the leaders of the con-
servative and even liberal groups in
both parties naturally expect lot or
noise and turmoil. They are already
prepared for a radical onslaught on
the railroads, the banks and indus
trial business interests generally.
Many OF the leaders of both parties
admit the probability of combination
of dissentersto support the pretentious
radical program that seeks TO array
the agricultural clement of the popu-
latlon against the two big parties Re
publican leaders admit that the radical
plans will most directly affect their
party and may cause a great deal OF
turmoil and force it TO make certain
concessions to hold the discontented
farmer in line.
Discussion among Democratic lead
ers does not reflect any particular
concern over the ambitions OF the
radical groups which are at present
making the most noise In Congress.
These leaders concede the probability
OF individual party followers support
ing radical moves in specific undertake
ings. but they are quite sure that the
traditional conservatism of Southern
Democrats will prevent the acceptance
of any broad or general radical policy.
strategy of Democrats.
The Democratic position seems TO
be TO watch the gestures of the radi-
Gals and TO take advantage of any
momentary chance to add 10 Repub-
iican troubles. Apparently the Demo-
cratic leaders have not agreed on any
program, probably for the reason that
most OF the Senators and Representa-
tives III that party Lave stubbornly
resisted leadership of any kind since
the advent OF thte Harding Admins
tration.
The recent announ cement that for
mer President Wilson had retired from
his law, partnership with cambridge
Colby TO devote his attention 10 pub
lie matters which have long invited
him" has naturally provoked lively
discussion among Democrats as to the
exact meaning OF the explanation. Mr..
Wilson himself has not made any
move to give one. There is no ques-
ton that tho disorganized representa-
tives of his party in Congress would
listen to him with greater respect
than 10 any other man in the country.
Most OF the Democratic leaders have
the impression that Mr.. Wilson is
evincing a lively interest in political
questions and. health permitting. will
eventually come forward with "A ma
tional program for the guidance OF his
party. \ few OF them even express
the opinion that he will have made
such strides toward almost complete
physical recovery that his personal
participation in the next campaign
may be invoked even to the extent OF
becoming a candidate for the presi-
dency.
There appears TO be 10 Justification
for such an assumption on the part or
Mr.. Wilson's admirers. But no leader
OF his party expresses tho slightest
doubt as TO the personal prestige he
may exercise in formulating definite
policy for his party. At present il
does not appear TO have any policy.
AIoot From Radical Ventures.
The only tic that appears to bind
sectional groups at present Is the de-
termination 10 hold aloof from radical
ventures OF Republican inspiration.
Although the Democratic leaders are
threatening opposition to the Republi-
can program for relief for the farmer,
they will finally support IL. The basis
for their criticism OF the Republican
plans in this direction IL that they do
not provide adequate relief for the
farming industry. Their contention
loses force in the face Of the fact that
the Republican members OF the farm
bloc have expressed satisfaction with
the scope OF the Administrations solu-
ton of the problem.
The chances are that tho bill for the
relief OF agriculture will finally pass
the Senate without opposition and
prolonged debate. The only serious
issue between the President and Con-
gress at the moment relates to the
ship subsidy bill for which little ad-
miration and no enthusiasm is ex-
pressed by some Of Mr.. Harding's most
loyal supporters.
The President is credited with down
right stubbornness in insisting on tho
passage OF the shipping bill at the
prcsent time. The leaders OF the farm
bloc are arrayed against H. the Demo.
Gratis oppose IL almost to men and
some OF the most conservative mem