Milford chronicle., 1925-01-16
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
By National Editorial Association
Special to Milford Chronicle

| Washington, January 14th-The Iolks Dack
home find it difficult to keep abreast of changes
in Washington There is a peculiar fascination
in the shifting scenes when great men and wo-
men intimately known in their respective COM
munities rise and fall in the public eye with
Kaleidoscope swiftness 1t is these changes
which provide conversation in the cloak rooms
of the Senate and House and in the drawing
rooms over the tea cup. This week, for instance,
the talk centers on the new Attorney General
the speakership of the House, LaFollette, party
loyalty and inaugural plans.
The elevation of Harlan Stone from the De-
partment of Justice to the Supreme Court brings
some heavy bidding for the attorney-generalsh
Though Senator Couzens and some members Of
the Michigan delegation have voiced their Objec-
tions to Charles B. Warren, he is the leading
candidate for the office. Mr.. Warren has been
the American Ambassador to Japan and Mexico
and was temporary chairman of the Republican
convention in Cleveland last year. While he is
not very intimate with the President it is
known that Mr.. Coolidge has deep respect for
Mr. Warren's ability as a lawyer and diplomat
The objections of Senator COuzens will not
weigh heavily with the President because the
latter has never been known as an Administra-
tion supporter.
Various state delegations are taking an active
interest in the struggle for speakership of the
House. Nicholas Longworth, the present Re-
publican floor leader, and Martin B. Madden
Chairman of the all-powerful House ApprOpria-
tions Committee are the leading contenders for
the honor. The struggle is complicated by the
fact that each candidate has strong following
among the Democrats. There is a possibility
that Representative Tilson, Of Connecticut, may
be the compromise candidate.
In political circles there is considerable spec
ulation as to the effect of Senator LaFOllette's
temporary retirement from politics. He has been
i'll for a number Of years and recently contract
ed a heavy cold which brought back some old
ailments. On advice from his physicians he will
spend several weeks in Florida. It is said that
LaFollette has practically abandoned hopes for
third party movement. He will endeavor to
bolster his standing as a so-called radical wing
of the Republican party
Those who followed the leadership of Mr.. La
Toilette in the Senate have been unusually quiet
since the elections. Senator Brookhart, whose
high position is still in jeopardy by reason of an
election contest, has made only one, and rather
Intellectual speech against the railroads. Sena-
tor Wheeler, Mr.. LaFollettes running mate has
confined his oratory to answering roll calls.
| It seems that the plans Of small groups of
legislators to obstruct fiscal legislation and
force an extra session have been abandoned.
Minority leaders have indicated that they will
place only such obstacles in the way of the Ad-
ministration's program as is deemed necessary
from the standpoint of party policies. The pros
poets of winding UP the business Of the Senate
and House on March 4, are daily improving. The
fact that the Senate sustained the President on
his veto of the postal salary bill had its effect.
Senator Dial, of South Carolina, and Senator
Bruce, of Maryland, in giving vent TO their real
opinions as to the underlying causes of the
Democratic defeat, have brought out feuds in
the party. The family quarrel has become very
bitter and provoked uneasiness among Demo-
cratic leaders. AS the minority party it is the
privilege of the Democratic Senators to criticize
the majority for their sins Of omission or COM
mission Considerable pressure was brought to
bear upon Senator Dial for he publicly withdrew
the criticism which he read into the Congress
sional Record a few days previous. Senator
Bruce who has few things to say concerning
alliances of his Democratic colleges with Sena-
tor LaFollette last year, refuses to be spanked
for his opinions and is still in bad with the
other members Of the family.
The fact that the administration foisted the
Couzens committee to hold their investigation
of the prohibition enforcement unit behind clos
ed doors has provoked widespread discussion in
Congress. Some claim that this move indicates
deplorable condition. Others insist that exec
utive sessions are essential to prevent misinter-
probation of charges and countercharges which
may in the end prove baseless. Senator Couzens,
Chairman of the subcommittee wanted open
hearings, but the Administration, moving under
Senator Watson, Republican of Indiana, forced
the secret meetings.
While the average person pays little heed to
the exports and movement Of gold, Government
officials say that these items have direct effect
upon the nation. 1t is officially stated that the
return of gold from the United States to Europe
il a good sign that the world has made progress
in the return to normal conditions. Redistribu-
tion of the worlds gold supply indicates quite
clearly that other nations are returning, to the
gold standard and that will mean actual cur
lFency deiation.