The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-12-18
PROGREsS|VES AIM TO FORGE CHOICE
Determined To Establish Theory In Election Of Con-
 merCe Chairman
By THOMAS l.. STOKES Leased Wire to The Age-HeraId)

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17.-Pro gres- sives. swinging their whip, are going to establish one of their principal po- litical theories in the conservative Senate by forcing a choice of a chair man of the interstate commerce com mittee, according to their standards.
 This theory Is, in brief; Stand be- hind issues and pick men who will carry them out, despite party lines.
 By preventing the election of Sen ator Cummins of Iowa, for a week. a man whose ideas they do not tole- rate-they have demonstrated their power They are now going to use it, after a week, to name a man whose choice will tumble ancient Senate precedents from their pedes- tals.
 If possible, they will force the cleo ton of progressive, either Couzens of Michigan. or Howell of Nebraska. Both are new men, whose selection would break the moss grown senior- fty rule. or failing that, they will swing behind Senator Smith of South Carolina, a democrat, and thus ignore party lines absolutely.
 Attitude Of Senate.
 This was the attitude taken by the Senate followers of LaFollette after five ballots Monday had failed to break the deadlock. They stood first for Howell of Nebraska. When regular republican turned from Cummins of Iowa, and voted for Couzens of Michigan, they followed the lead and when the balloting end ed had marshalled 12 votes for the new senator from Michigan, with 3S each for Cummins and Smith.
 They believe that other votes will swing over to Couzens Tuesday, and announced that they would continue to vote for him. If a similar stam- pede should break out Tuesday for Howell of Nebraska. they would gather support for him. If it appears that enough regulars won't leave the party, they will swing behind Smith and bring his election.
 There were rumors that the regu- lars might come over to Couzens, de- spite their previous refusal to leave Cummins, or that some compromise candidate might be suggested to the progressive, but no one would con- firm them, and it appeared unlike ely.
 The country will heartily approve the breaking of party lines, accord ing to Senator Norris of Nebraska, one of the progressive leaders, who has the reputation of voting as he thinks, which Is often along very different lines from his republican colleagues.
 DisregardinE Party Ties.
 'The people of the country more and more are disregarding party ties" Norris declared. "The party call does not have the old appeal. A look at recent election results will prove that"
 Progressives are solid on one is- sue, repeal of drastic amendment of transportation act, which would be in the hands of the interstate commerce committee. They say they are voic- ing the demands of the people they represent. They want man at the head of the committee who will carry out some of their aims, at least, whether he be democrat or republi- can.
 I'll never vote for Cummins." Nor ris declared vigorously. His col leagues are of the same mind.
 If the democrats follow party linfs strictly, the progressives can work their will. The democrats stood solidly behind their candidate Mon day, with the exception of Bruce of Maryland, who bolted the ranks last week. Their leaders indicated they would continue to support Smith. Democrats regard the fight philoso- phically.
 Tt is not up to us to pull their chestnuts out of the fire" one leader declared.