The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-11-17

Warren Entitled to Place. But
Advanced Age is Obstacle.
Wadsworth Is Strong
By WILLIAM x. HUTCHINSON,

By WILLIAM X. HUTCHINSON,
international News Service.
A free-for-all fight between
various factions in the Republican
ranks of the Senate was brewing
today beneath the decorous sur
face contest for the majority
leadership.
The post, made vacant through
the death of Senator Henry Cabot
Lodge, already has attracted four
aspirants, whose candidates. are
being urged by friends. Other
booms have appeared on the
horizon and bitter contest may
eventually develop. The princi-
pal contestants at present are
Senator'S Francis E. Warren Of
Wyoming, senior member Of the
Senate: James w. Wadsworth Of
New York, an assistant leader for
two sessions; Charles Curtis Of
Kansas, Republican "whip" for
years, and James E. Watson Of
Indiana, an Administration spokes-
man last session.
May Involve Coolidge.
President Coolidge himself may
ultimately be drawn into the com.
bat to avert open hostilities and to
insure the selection of a Republican
leader who meets with his approval.
The president, of course, would
notshnake his choice known by pub
lie announcement but he undoubted-
~ will drop a quiet hint at the
proper time in an effort to decide
the contest amicably.
The leadership, which carries
with it more influence politically
and legislatively than any Dther
post in Congress, normally would
go to Senator Warren under the
seniority rule as he is now ending
his thirtieth consecutive year in the
Senate.
II ne insists on the honor, even
the other aspirants admit. he will
be given the leadership without q
struggle.
Passed 8Oth Birthday.
On the other hand, reports are
his seniority rights because of his
advanced age-he passed his
eighteenth birthday recently and
confine his activities to the chair
manship of the appropriations com
mittee. ~
If Warren does step aside, the
contest win develop free-for.all
character and friends Of the vari-
Qus aspirants already have begun
canvassing the Senate membership
IN an effort to win recruits to their
various banners.
Senator Wadsworth was reported
60 have the inside track" because
of his unquestioned strength at the
White House. IT was rumored that
the New York Senator would have
the presidential Endorsement shortly
and that once the President makes
known this preference, Wadsw3rth
would make a runaway race for the
leadership.
Choice Of Western Men.
Friends Of Senators Curtis and
Watson, however, have not given
up hope. Curtis was reported to
be the first choice Of many West
ern Senators. who win insist that
the leadership be given to some
State west Of the Mississippi be.
cause of the overwhelming Repub.
lean vote out there in the last cleo
ton.
Members Of the Republican farm
bloc also were said to indorse
Curtis because OF his favorable
handling OF farm legislation while
whip of the Senate.
Thus far the contest has been
waged chiefly in conversation
around the Capitol and a decision
cannot be expected until Warren
has announced his plans. The only
thing now certain Is that the leader.
ship will go to Warren, Wadsworth,
Curtis or Watson, with their chances
Of success undoubtedly in the order