The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-28
CUMM|NS HARkENS TO MASTERS VOICE
Yields To InSistence Of G. 0. P. Politicians Not To Serve
 As Senate President
WASHINGTON BUREAU Q THE AGE-HERALD

Senator Cummins of Iowa, it is re- ported today, has practically yield ed to the insistence of republican politicians that he refrain from serv- ing as president of the Senate when that body reconvenes in December. 7 It is admitted that MT. Cummins, now president pro tempore, could be elected president to succeed to the place made vacant when Vice Presi- dent Coolidge was thrust into the White House. But were MT. Cum mins elected, and entered upon a service which would give him $5,000 per annum additional pay, he would have to yield the chairmanship of one of the greatest committees of the Senate, and regarded as one of the "vital' committees during the forthcoming session.
 The situation, it is pointed out, would pot be of distressing char acteristfcs to administration repub- lcans were the second in command of the committee in question. the inter state commerce committed, before which railroad legislation will be presented, an "orthodox" republican. It Is highly significant, in the opinion of observing democrats, that if Cummins becomes president of the Senate, Senator Robert M. LaFollette of Wisconsin would become chair man of the interstate commerce com mittee. LaFollette is regarded as a radical" and one of his reforms" Is directed against the railroads of the country.
 Just what Senator LaFollette will do respecting the situation is not stated with directness or in detail. It is officially stated, however, that the radicals" holding the balance of power between democrats and re- publicans, will see to it that they are represented on the "vitaF' commit tees, the ways and means of the House, and the commerce and finance of the House and Senate; will see to it that these great committees, hold ing out such Possibilities for the re- lief or the oppression of the people, are radically changed respecting their personnel.
 O o o
 Would Appease LaFolIette.
 It is regarded as probable that be- fore the administration wing can ad- just itself to the conditions, and suc- ceed in composing the LaFollette blec, considerable time will be con sumed with the result that organiza- tion will be delayed at least two weeks. It is believed that unless La Toilette is satisfied or, at least, ap- peased, he will declare war. But for the expressed determination of demo- crats to have nothing to do with the fight within the republican party, it is not believed here that LaFollette would even deal with the adminisGa- tion wing.
 The radicals" resent the rule which will result in Senator Shoot of Utah, high priest of protection. and one of the most reactionary of the reactionary group, becoming chairman of the finance committee as successor to Senator McCumber, author of the last tariff bill, who was beaten by the people.
 It is significant, it is pointed out, that the second ranking republican on this vital" committee, also, is $ Senator LaFollette.
 The problem could be solved ami cably. it is declared, were the re- publicans to elevate Cummins and give LaFollette the chairmanship of the commerce committee. But it is known generally that the republicans would run any risk, however great, rather than put LaFollette at the head of the committee handling rail- roads, or the committee In charge of the finances of the country.
 Thus the fight is on. In all proba- bility, Senator Curtis of Kansas will have the administration support for the presidency of the Senate.