Perth Amboy evening news., 1924-11-10
IS
NOW IN DOUBT
The Death of Senator Lodge
Causes Unusual Senate Sit
uation-0utIine Possibilities

WASHINGTON. Nov. 10 (By The
Associated Press) The passing OF
Senator Lodge, just as his party was
preparing to harvest the the fruits OF
a sweeping victory at the polls sur
rounds the question of leadership in
the senate with new and unusual
considerations.
A veteran of the old guard, ada
mant against the policies of the La
Toilette insurgents on the one hand
and unable to accept some or the
proposals Of the Republican admin
istration on the other. the Massa-
chusetts patriarch more than once
had founo his title as Republican
floor leader somewhat of an anom-
oily. Now that the powerful equation
of his personal influence has been
removed from the problem. party
chieftains face the task OF deciding
what new alignment can be effected
to fill the gap and make for party
solidarity.
In the determination of this aues-
tion President Coolidge undoubtedly
will have an opportunity to WELD the
dominant power OF party leadership
conferred on him by TUESDAYS cleo
ton. If he cares to give 1t. his ad-
vice will be a powerful factor In de-
Gliding whether the old guard is to
remain as the directing force OF the
senate. or whether seniority Is to be
cast aside and some new leader
lifted from the ranks to position
of command.
This question assumes a still
greater significance when it is con-
sidered that the new congress. which
meets next year. will see substan-
tial increase in Republican senate
strength bringing into the situation
new and untried quantities. In view
of the changes to take place as
result CT the election Just held. and
the close balance in the present con-
gress, any permanent reorganiza-
ton on the Republican side may be
DELAYED for some months. and
temporary leader designated to act
during the short winter session.
Should no sweeping readustment
of the Senate situation be attempted,
1t is probable that Senator Warren,
of wyoming, or Senator Curtis, OF
Kansas will become floor leader.
But IL there is to be a new deal all
around those to be considered prob
ably will include Wadsworth of New
York; Moses. of New Hampshire:
Watson of Indiana. and Reed. OIL
Pennsylvania.
Senator Lodge is the third promi-
nent senate Republican to die within
recent weeks. AS result the Re
publican party finds itself with
membership of only 4S in the pres
ent senate. or one less than major
ity. unless Governor Cox. of Massa-
chusetts. appoints a successor to the
yenera BILE legislator before congress
reassembles on December l.
Although the vacancy caused by
the death of Senator Colt, of Rhode
Island, was filled in Tuesdays elec-
ton. that resulting from the more
recent death of Senator Brandegee,
of Connecticut, will not be filled until
December 16 when a special election
will be held. As this Is more than
two weeks after the time set for the
convening of congress, the senate
will meet without a full membership.
In the face of that situation, with
but forty-eight Republican members,
| not all of whom are classed as strict
organization men, the problem Is ex-
pected TO develop difficulties which
will require expert handling If the
Republicans are to continue in the
| session as the dominant party in that
branch of congress.
Under the rule of seniority Sena-
| tor Borah, OF Idaho, ranking Repub-
| lican member, would succeed to the
l (Continued IN Page 81