The New York herald., 1922-11-26
Own Wisconsin Delegation
May Hold Balance in House

Own Wisconsin Delegation
May Hold Balance in House
While speaking to empty seats In
the Senate soon after he first entered'
that body in 1905, La Toilette said:
Mr.. President, l pause in my re-
marks to say this: I cannot be wholly
indifferent to the fact that Senators by
their absence at this time indicate
their want Of interest in what ! have
to say upon this subject. The public
is interested. Unless this important
question is rightly settled seats now
temporarily vacant may be permanent.
ly vacated by those who have the right
to occupy them at this time"
Whether this was merely vain brag-
bing or prophecy, it has come true to
great extent. Many Senators have
since come to think more like La Fol-
lette. He was at length accepted as a
member of the Republican steering
committee of the Senate, and in the
elections this autumn he and his radi-
cal ideas were the chief cause OF the
defeat of some Of the most strongly in7
trenched Old Guard Senators.
There are many persons who be-
live that La Toilette now has it within
his power to defeat the Republican
party in the Presidential campaign Of
1924. He is not strong enough to OBJ
tain for himself the Republican Presi-
Genital nomination. nor could he be
elected on a third party ticket. but II
the Republican organization leaders do
not take him into the fold, permit him
to dictate party policies and perhaps
exercise the veto power at the conven-
tion, he may be able to throw the cleo
ton to the Democrats
New parties are born. not made"
said Senator La Toilette to THE New
YORK HERALD correspondent, who asked
him for his own version Of the politi-
cal situation and statement Of his
plans.
"a little group of men gathering to-
gether," he continued. cannot form
an important new party in this coun-
try merely of their own voltion. If a
new party comes it will come as the
result Of a clear cleavage between pro-
eressives and reactionaries. 1t is per-
fectly obvious that much may be done
10 hasten that hour by the adminis-
trduoH WHICH ID III power III tnc w nite
House.
II am not chasing will-o'-the-wisps.
] have been long time In politics
and have learned to look at political
affairs practically. see In the present
situation the obvious fact that few
men will hold the balance OF power In
the Senate md the delegation from
single State (Wisconsin) will hold the
balance OF power In tho House. There
IS an opportunity at the short session
OF the present Congress to build up an
effective. defensive organization among
the progressives Of both parties, who
have a good chance OF defeating the
Administrators legislative program
and who. with the additions to their
strength gained In the last elections
may be In n position to force much
legislation OF constructive nature
affecting two, at least. OF the most vital
questions Of concern TO the people of
this country: namely. transportation
and credit
Thus II will be seen that Senator La
Toilette fully realizes the power which
the close outcome OF the recent elec-
tions gives him as the leader Of tho
small faction which holds the balance
OF power between the nearly equal
number OF Republicans and Democrats
In the next Congress: and. what is
more 20 the point. that he bas made
nm HIS mind IN tloa that nov-ar