The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-09-21
DEMOCRATS FEAR TO LINE UP WITH LEADERS IF BLDG
Party Realizes Danger Of Af- flliating With Belligerent
 From Wisconsin
WASHINGTON BUREAU
 THE AGE-HERALD Mashingt1n. D. O. Sept. 20

Senator Robert M. LaFOllette of Wisconsin, in control of the radicals in both Houses of Congress, and by virtue of that fact, in control of the balance of power between the re- pubIicans and democrats, will not be able to organize either House, it is regarded as certain today.
 Mir. LaFoIlette will demand con- sessions from the reactionary wing ss the republican organization In the House, he may be able to secure certain favors, but such favors will mt be so extensive as to displace any regular republican from a chairman ship. In the Senate. his demands will be ignored, it is said tC be positive,
 It is understood here that LaFol- lette, after threatening, might ac tually attempt to lineup with the democrats Democratic leadership, however, it is learned positively, will turn down LaFollettes suggestions if he makes them. Republicans know the attitude of democrats. It is for that reason, among others, that they will not stCop to mako terms with the belligerent from Wisconsin. Wary Of Independents.
 Democrats are wary of indepen- dent republicans. They are very anxious to secure control of the gov- eTnn6nLs buL they NdHL LO scout control as result of the votes of the people. They do not believe that 1t we uld be to their advantage, at any time, to assume control as result Of a republican division.
 l. is recalled that after 8 coalition of progressive republicans and demo- crats had deprived former Speaker Cannon of his power, former Speaker Cannon challenged the coalition to elect a new speaker. Senator Ncr- rs, then a leading progressive of the House. and A. S. Burleson of Texas, afterward Postmaster General, wanted to accept the challenge. The leader of the democrats MT. Under wood, however. and his most depend able associates, perceived the trap, and contented themselves with the glory following the destruction Cf "Cannonism." They were persuaded that if they did elect a new speaker with the assistance of progressives, it would not be long before progress sives would break with them. and the regular republicans, IS result, be returned to power.
 It is always dangerous, democrats in the city today point out, tC accept favors from recalcitrants. It would be especially dangerous at this time. Danger Of Such Plan.
 One of the most prominent demo-
 
 crsts and radicals in the next ses- sion to organize the Senate, they would be playing into the hands of regular republicans.
 By organizing, they would be re- sponsible for legislation, and there could be no legislation of a worth while character because of the strength Of the regular republicans, and the veto power of the President, it is stated.
 But they would relieve the repub- licans of situation which is alleged to be fraught with danger to them Tho regulars, in matter of legisla- tic n, at any rate, will have to sat- isfy the radicals or they will vote V | democrats and defeat the entire administration program. The conflict between the two factions is expected to be a fostering thorn in the party's sid and democrats expect to profit therefrom.
 They will not extract the thorn, it is declared to be certain. Therefore, they will not initiate old dL g Tray, and be found in bad company