The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1924-11-10
LODGES DEATH
BRINGS SENATE
LEADERSHIP UP


Washington, Nov. lO.--The passing
Of Senator Lodge just as his party
was preparing to harvest the fruits
Of sweeping victory at the polls,
surrounds the question of leadership
in the Senate with new and unusual
situations.
A veteran Of the Old Guard,
adamant against the policies of the
LaFollette insurgents on the one
hand and unable to accept some Of
the proposals Of the Republican
administration on the other hand,
the MASSACHUSETTS patriarch had
more than once found his title as
Republican floor leader somewhat of
an anomaly.
Need Leader
Now that the powerful cquasion
Of his personal influence has been
removed from the problem, party
chieftains face the task Of deciding
what new alignment can be effect
ed to fill the gap and make for
party solidarity.
In the determination of this ques-
tion, President Coolidge undoubted-
ly will have an opportunity to WELD
the dominant power of party lead
ership conferred by the election. If
he cares to give it his advice will
be a powerful factor in deciding
whether the Old Guard is to remain
the power in the Senate or whether
seniority is to be lifted aside and
some new leader lifted.
I This question assumes 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. In view Of the changes
to take place as a result of the elec-
tion and close balance in Congress
any permanent organization on tho
Republican side may be delayed for
some months and temporary leader
designated to act during the short
session.
Warren May Lead
Should no sweeping readjustment
of the Senate be attempted, it is
probable Senator Warren of Wyo-
ming or Senator Curtis of Kansas
will be floor leader. But if there
is to be new deal all around the
names may include Wadsworth of
New York, Moses Of New Hampshire,
Reed of Pennsylvania and Watson
Of Indiana. Lodge is the third
prominent Senate Republican to die
within recent weeks. As a result
the Republican party finds itself
with membership of but so in the
Senate, unless Gov. Cox of Massa-
chusetts appoints a successor to
Senator Lodge before December l.
4 Although the vacancy caused by
the death of Senator Colt of Rhode
Island was filled in Tuesdays cleo
ton, that resulting from the more
recent death Of Senator Brandegee
will not be decided until Dec. 16 in
special election. AS this is more
than two weeks after the time set
for meeting of Congress, the Senate
will meet without full membership.
In the face Of that situation, but so
Republican members, not all OF
whom are classed as strict party
men, the situation will need expert
handling if the Republicans are to
!. kcontinue in the Senate as the DOM
inant party.
B0rah to Advance
Under the rule of seniority, Sem
ator Borah, Idaho, ranking Republi-
can member, would succeed to the
chairmanship of the foreign rela-
tions committee which it is believed
he would accept, although it would
mean his surrender Of the education
and labor committee and any idea
of assuming the chairmanship of
the judiciary committee, for which
he is in line, under the practice
which restricts a Senator to one
major committee craftsmanship.
The procedure for selecting par
ty floor leader is not so clearly de-
fined, the seniority rule not always
being followed. If it should be, the
!, selection in this case would fall on
Senator Warren of Wyoming but If
promotion should be resorted to the
choice would fall on Senator Curtis
of Kansas, Republican whip and Re-
publican floor leader, Some friends
of Senator Warren believe he would
not select the leadership and SEN
ator Curtis will be named. Senator
Curtis has been active for some-
time in the actual leadership on the
floor as have Senator Watson of
Indiana and Senator Reed Of Penn
sylvania, owing to Senator Lodge
having voluntarily relinquished
much control to them and devoted
his time to foreign relations and