The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-11-25
'OLD GUARD' MUST MEET SITUATION
It Radicals Can't Be Maneu- Vered, Surrender Faces
 The Regulars
WASHINGTON BUREAU l
 THE AGE-HERALD XVacbiuwtan n ~ Nn~ OA


 On the set .coter' pl an i'm oea ling struggle respecting organization of the two houses of Congress will de- pend, in great degree, the success or failure of important legislation In the next Congress, it is admitted.
 In the House, the republicans will control only through the sufferance of bloc dominated by Senator La- Toilette of Wisconsin, and the same is true of the Senate.
 This bloc has demanded that it be given adequate representation on the s3-called vi,.i committees, thtt is the committees on ways and means, finance, rules, appropriations and in- terstate and foreign commerce. In this connection, it must be recalled that den. ocrats, on account of their far greater strength, have demanded for themselves adequate representa- tion on the vital and all other com mittees.
 W iII old Guard Surrcnderf
 Will the "Old Guard" surrender? That is the big question in Wash ington today The indications are that the "Old Guard" will endeavor as it has always with success done. to cajole the radicals until they be maneuvered into a position wherein they can be safely ignored. if not de-
 
 this instance, however, fail the "Old Guard" will assuredly surrender. st On the surface, it would appear only reasonable that the "Old Guard should give the radicals adequate lcT resentntion e. .h committees in return for the privilege of electinS from it's own ranks the speaker and leader of the House and Senate, and the chairn-en of practically all com- mittees. But the problem is not so simple. On all legislation of great importance, the radicals, in commit tee would vote, IS rule, with the democrats. In that event, the "Old Guard" could not control, and the opposition could amel.d or defeat any legislation which failed to contain provisions regarded as essential to the happiness and prosperity of the country, or possessing an important bearing on the campaign next year. Democrats Keep Quiet.
 In the present tense moment, the democrats are saying absolutely nothing regarding organization. Their eyes are wide open, however and their minds are alert. They are determined to permit radicals to ex- tract their chestnuts from the fire so that for any subsequent condition approaching chaos they could justly
 
 able to agree among themselves were to be held responsible.
 Political considerations have, no deterring effect on the LaFollette bloc. That bloc has repeatedly iem- onstrated that it's cares nothing for the regular republican organization. It simply demandy representation and threatens. in the event it's demands are disregarded to throw a dozen II. .onkey- -wrenches into the congress sional machinery.
 In the fSenate, LaFollette will speak for himself. In the House, he will talk through the mouth of Rep resentative Nelson of his own state, who is chairman of the LaFollette bloc in the House, and Representa- tive Roy Woodruff of Michigan, who is secretary. This independent or Eanization in the House has gone to the extent of electing a floor leader He is Represe ntative Hamilton Fish of New York, whose father, some years ago. was a prime mover in the successful effort to overthrow Can nonism.'
 LOngworth May Again Lead.
 O O o
 As far as an organization is con cerned the "Old Guard" can have it's own way if the radical demands are granted. The "Old Guard" may pro- ceed with the reelection of Speaker Gillett, and with the interparty row