The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1925-12-03

of the party caucus or conference has
also cropped up. There is a tendency
to exclude those whose party fealty
is questioned. These men are judg-
ed on their past performances through
their alliances with so-called "radi-
GALS" This applies more to the Re-
publican side than to the Democratic
for the splits in the former have been
mere pronounced in recent years.
For instance there is tendency on
the part of those whose party feel
ings are uppermost TO administer pun
ishment to members who aligned
themselves with LaFollette. How
ever, it is quite likely that the more
experienced politicians will soften the
chastisement because they realize that
one congressman represents vote
and the margin of control is not suf-
ficinntiy wide to warrant too indie
pendent spirit.
The party caucus has been con-
demnet because the vote is taken be-
hind closed doors and frequent ac-
tion of this sort invariably relieves
an individual congressman of his
promises to his constituency. On the
other hand, it may be argued that
caucuscs are sometimes necessary on
party measures where the leaders
must b assured of solidarity.
There are some Numbers of Con-
grcss who do not approve the idea
of caucus because they resent being
bound by caucus pledges. The chief
objection to the caucus has been that
it hampers the expression Of the MI
nority. 1t is something like the
English parliamentary system which
shuts off debate and criticism OF
various measures. If the party in
power can muster sufficient strength
in caucus and obtain definite pledges,
the criticism of the minority in debate
iswithout value for the measure will
pass without discussion.
Likewise whenever it is embarras-
sing to the majority to avoid record
vote whereby their constituents would
know how they voted, it is usual for
the caucus to agree on pushing
measure through quickly.
The Republican caucus has kept
out the so-called "insurgents" on one
or two occasions and may do so next
week. There is some sentiment for
keeping the followers of the LaF'ol-
lette school of politics from the i'm
portant committees.
1t is evident that the majority lead
ers will be obliged to have truant
officer at this session, particularly in
the Senate. They will insist upon at
tendance when parliamentary battles
are scheduled The reasons are
obvious from statistical study. TAX
ing all the senators bearing the Re
publican label there are 55 votes
registered. The Democrats have 40
and Senator Shipsted, of Minnesota,
is a Farmer Labor man although seat
ed on the Republican side. 1t is nee
essary to have 40 votes to pass
measure. A close study by leglsla-
tive statisticians shows that the ma
jority may have some difficulty in
mastering these votes during the WIN
ter.
In the total of IS the so-called Sin
surgents" among Republicans are in.
cluded. In addition the majority have
other troubles in contested seats
There are three contests now sched-
uled in the Senate which include the
right of the North Dakota Governor
to appoint Mr.. Nye as a Senator, the
questioned ballots between Senator
Brookhart and Daniel Steck OF Iowa,
and Former Senator Mangus John.
sons challenge of Senator Schall, OF
Minnesota. Somebody may be un-
seated yet.
the regular Republicans can munster
only 48 votes which is one short OF
the essential majority. The "lnsur-
gents" would like nothing better than
placing the so-called regulars IN
a hole. However, there are instances
where the Democrats frequently break
the party lines and support Admins
tration measures.
Undoubtedly the leaders on Dotn
sides will have many delicate sltua-
lions to handle within the next lew
DAYS. The President will give them
some ideas to ponder in his address
next Tuesday.