The Washington herald., 1922-12-11
|GRlHlM IS DOOMED
| FOR HOUSE Leader
Definite Movement Organized
:. to support Representative
from Illinois.
OPPOSED TO LoMGWoRTH
Progressives Claim RooseveIt's
Son-in-law Too Reac-
tionary for Job.
By wINDER r. HARRIS.

- 80 aas.*a&aos
UHiversai Service etssf osrrsspssle.s.
me lines OF battle over the reor-
ganization OF the House In the
stxty-eighth Congress began 20
tighten up YESTERDAY. when it was
learned thu a definite organization
is being perfected TO push Repre-
sentative William J. Graham. s1
Illinois. for the majority lesdership.
Graham's name was put out ss
feeler by some OF the farm bloc
leaders when the extra session was
convened after the November elec-
ton. II 10 now declared that the
response has bean sufficiently en-
couraging 70 Justify an active cam
paign for his election. Representa-
tive Nicholas LonEworth OF Ohio.
son-inlaw Of former President Theo-
dore Roosevelt. is the only other
avowed candidate IN the field.
SURE OF FARM BLOC.
Managers Of the Graham boom
say the Illinois delegation will be-
certain to support him solidly and
that they are coenting on virtually
solid delegations from all the Missis.
Hppi Valley States. They also are
claiming the bulk Of the farm bloc
vote In the Middle and Far West.
Assertions. are made that a num-
Der OF New York members and even
some from New England have fudi-
Gated voluntarily that they viii Join
the Graham movement
The Progressives from wisconsin.
who viii hold the balance of poveT
m the next House. have not com
mitted themselves 20 Graham. hui
II is declared. they have been sound.
ed out on the subject and have dis
played no unfriendliness. On the
other hand. the Wisconsin deIees.
tion is generally accepted as regard
ing Longworth as too reactionary.
whereas they are demanding reor-
sanlzauon along Progressive lines.
Graham's hackers are grooming him
as a Progressive candidate.
He has not been an uitra-Pro-
gressive. or what the sta nd -patters
call radical, but he has strayed
or the party reservation frequently
enough TO earn a reputation for in
dependence Of action.
Longworth was thought, up 20 the
time Of the nationwide Progressive
revolt on November ., TO have the
leadership safely tucked away. He
was credited with the fun support
OF the faction which elected Gfllett
speaker. and the late James r
Mann. Of Illinois. had expressed ap-
proval OF his candidacy. notwith.
standing Longworth fought against
him and for Gillett in the memorable
Speakership campaign four years
ago.
Had Mr.. Mann lived ana actively
supported Longworth, the veteran
Illinois members powerful influence.
in addition TO the Ohioan's other
strength. undoubtedly would have
given him the post With the los.
OF Mr.. Mann the situation at least
has become more complicated.
SAME AS ELECTION.
Part of the strategy OF the Ora
ham managers viii be 20 demand
that the leader be elected at the
same party caucus which names
the party's candidate for Speaker.
the latter action in all probability
being equivalent 10 election. Here
tofore. the leader has been nomi.
mated by the Committee on Com
mittees and later confirmed at a
caucus. along with the committee
assignments.
The Republican caucus to take
up the question Of reorganization
win be called for the latter part OF
February. Newly-elected Repre-
sentatives on the C. o. p. side
will be 1-ited 20 come 10 Wash
ington TO participate.
On. the Democratic side IL is
stated that the reorganization eau
Gus viii not be held until within q
few days Of the convening OF the
first session Of the new Congress.
next December.
The final outcome hinges on Rep.
resentative Claude Kitchin's state
OF health. II the North Carolinian.
who now is titulsr leader. is able
TO actively resume the reins. he
probably will be chosen again. II
his health is likely TO keep him
away indefinitely, as during the
past two years. the fight Will be
between Representative Garrett. OF
Tennessee, and Garner, of Texas.