The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-02-09
REPUBLICAN SPLIT. NUT TO BE MENDED DEMOCRATS THINK
Minority Party Members Re- gard Break in Ranks of Their Opponents As
 Fundamental
WASHINGTON BUREAU
 THE AGE-HERALD WRshingtOn. ID. G. Feb. 6

The split in the republican party has acquired a. fundamental basis, and, according to democratic ob- servers, for that reason, solidarity cannot be restored.
 Senator James F. Watson of h. diana, from the floor, expressed the sentiment that the republicans can not go to the people in 1924 on the record of the administration and Con gress unless they nominate for a sec- ond term, Warren G. Harding. While not disagreeing with that position, radicals" of the type of Senators Brookhart, Lafolletie, Norris, John hesitation that in hope of victory the republicans cannot go to the peo- pie dependent on the record of the administration and Congress.
 Thus, as is pointed out. the dis agreement is not based on varying opinion regarding any particular leg islation or paramount" Issue, but on fundamental which must be sub- Jected to the arbitrament of war.
 The "Old Guard" of the repupli- can organization, believing that pros- perity Is dependent on the continued supremacy of its party, contends that the end justfies the means. The "Old Guard" feels that it must go to the people on the record of the President and Congress. and that such cannot be done if the, Presi- dent is dethroned. Senator Watson expressed the belief of the "reac- tlonaries" when he declared that ir- respective of present division. the party would present united front in 1924.
 Democrats Want Harding Named
 Senator Hiram Johnson of Cali fornia is convinced that unless the republican party purges itself and goes to the people with new promises and new leader it cannot even hold its own inherent members. Demo- cratic leaders believe with Johnson. For that reason, 1t is their hope that the "reactionaries" will nomi- nate Harding for another term. and thus give an opportunity for the radical northwest to assert what is termed it's manhood"
 The leaders of the administration wing of the republican party are aware that while the country holds the President in high regard for hls admitted good qualities. the country does not regard him as great or even virile captain. On their part there is evident determination to prevent an extension ot the presiden- tial primary system, and to abridge that system wherever possible. It will be attempted in Indiana II Senator Watson has his way At the same time. the "progressives" de- clare that a majority of the delegates to the next republican convention will be chosen by primaries, and that for that reason. Harding can not be renominated.
 Reactionaries Dixtrexsed
 It is no secret in Washington that the "reactionaries" are greatly dis tressed by the signs of the times. They want Harding. They .egard him as safe entirely. They know that he Is first of all party" man. and as such, amenable to the reason ing of party leaders. And. in the reelection of Harding they would find 'vindication for their "haad picking" in Chicago.
 Because of their desire to con- tinue Harding In the White House, signs of permanent division are most distressing. They can see no hope If the majority of republican states elect their delegates by the direct vote of the people. Senator Albert J. Beveridge of Indiana has served notice that Senator Watson must not attempt to abolish the presidential primary law in Indiana. It ls said that Watson feels that unless tho law is abolished. Harding could not captude the Indiana delegation.
 He could not If Beveridge wants it. it is said. That he wants 1t. Is regarded as certain. His friends con tend that he Is stronger with tho seeafs eaa ( Afs ssnization G4ians x sra IN fstrfor fo .fta ..T. .H.y4