The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-07-26
MANY MEMBER ERS IF
 CONGRESS VOICE GRAVE M|SG|VINGS
Plight Of Farmers And High Freight Rates Called
 Party MenanCe
By RAYMOND CHAPTER 1Lcased Wire to The Age-Herald.)
 

election results have started fear among certain republican districts that unless the harding adminstra- tion increases it's efforts to aid the farmers, the result may be disas- trCus in 1924.
 Though a majority of congressman whose opinions have been sounded believe prospects fo- another repub- lican victory next year are bright, a strong minority feels that the ad ministration has been behindhand in adopting its general policies to meet specific needs.
 The revelation of republican sem timent came about through a circu- lar letter recently sent to party con gressmen by Representative James T. Begg of Ohio, assistant republican whip in the House. Begg told his party colleagues he had travelled through many eastern states and nowhere did l find discord and dis satisfaction with the way the ad ministration is conducting affairs" He asked that the congressman, in turn, report on the political outlook in their respective districts.
 Result Not Optimistic.
 The result was not as optimistic as expected. Of 52 replies, S3 were favorable and 19 unfavorable. Hard 
 generally cited IS the adverse factor. Some complained of high freight rates and others of the world court proposal. Those taking a more hope ful view based their judgment largely on the prosperous condition of business and industry.
 The apprehension voiced in many of the letters is similar to the pes smism of Senator Moses, chairman of the republican senatorial cam ft T Af h 1oi itF,1 Will Wood of the corresponding committee of the house. Signatures of critical letters are withheld, as the reports are extremely frank and would cause embarrassment if pub licly credited.
 Could Not Be Worse.
 From New York congressman: ''As far as political conditions in fhis state are concerned, l do not think they could be any worse from our standpoint. l do not need to go Into details but while looking upon the bright side, l fall to see anything to fill us with any great degree of confidence. However, the outlook may change, but if it is to change, it seems to me that at least req sonable degree of horse sense needs to be exercised from political standpoint"
 Another New York congressman; "Your optimism startles me-"
 A member from Utah. after de- scribing agricultural unrest because of high freight rates, says: Tt Is, in my judgment, dangerous, unless something constructive is done be- fore the next election rolls around"
 An Iowa Member: "l am inclined to think that some of the speeches the President has recently made will not sit well with some of the audi ences I will be obliged to talk before. l cannot use much of his stuff Business Men Opposed.
 From New Jersey Representative: T still find some business men op- posed to Harding and to the re- publican party and so far as New Jersey is concerned l fear the li- quor question is going to split the republican party disastrously."
 From a Middle Western State; Tt is generally conceded that President Harding should be renominated, but Ford will easily carry this district by large majority. When we are forced to sell our wheat at S5 cents per bushel that costs us not less than SIPS to raise, we are not in a very pleasant frame of mind to consider the3beatitudes of policies foreign to the improvement of our present con- ditions."
 Wisconsin Representative: q wish l could have you up here to put your ears to the ground and hear the rumblings." Says farmers are dissat- isfied and world court is unpopular. Against World Court.
 Member from Illinois: We are all right in this district except the peo- pie are against the world court or anything that looks like it or the League of Nations. Tell our good friend Warren to forget it. He played his hand and let it end there"
 Another from Illinois: Our most serious handicap is lack of confi- denee within our own ranks: , optimistic for the success of our party unless perchance the agitation of world court at this particular time should bring about a contro- Versy that would upset our hopes."
 Ohio: T am in hopes that during the next session Congress can get close to the ideas of the people
 Pennsylvania:. "l am not prepared to say much about the outlook for republican success at any given place, including my own district. People Apathetfc.
 Pennsylvania: The attitude of our people generally in this district up to the present time has been decided ly apathetic, to say the least, con- cerning the present administration"
 Indiana Congressman: The prin cipal discordant note is what the ku klux Klan will do in politics. If the members get as wild on politics as they appear to be on religion, we may have a lot of trouble"
 Leavitt, Montana: The visit of the President was of great value to us, the impression made being very fla vorable indeed. If reasonable prices are secured for Montana products this year, there is no question in my mind of political results in 1924"
 Representative Hadley, Washing ton: Il have never seen our district so prosperous. The people are too busy and happy to think or talk poli- ties. There will be plenty of political trouble makers who will seek to in spire discontent IeXt year, but, l think, with indifferent success"
 Congressman WurZbach, Texas "The prospects look very encourag- ing"
 Representative Hardy. Colorado: "There is no reason to be pessi-