The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-12-12
Storm Clouds for Watson

Ambitions of Senator James E. Watson to become
senate leader receiving little enthusiasm in the
east, especially from outstanding newspapers which
are leaders of thought.
They see trouble ahead for Mr. Hoover when he
becomes President if the senate leadership of the
majority is in the hands of who so bitterly de-
nounced Hoover as a candidate and with whose
policies he showed little sympathy in the spring.
They see among other things, the possibility of
sharp division on the question of the World Court
and on other important questions domestic in nature.
The Boston Transcript, scenting danger, has this
to say of the Indiana statesman and his ambitions to
lead the senate and be in position to embarrasS,
coerce handicap Hoover
The Republicans of the United States senate need
not expect the most attering popular reaction to their
choice should they select James E. Watson of Indiana
floor leader in succession to Charles Curtis of Kan
Sas, who must retire soon possibly before the holidays
in consequence of his election to the vcepreSdency
Watson types all that may be said good bad and in
different of the professional politician the type which
recent events in illinois and Pennsylvania, to say Moth
ing of the Hoosier state has brought into national
notoriety He a determined opponent of the nom
nation of Mr.. Hoover, and indeed carried Indiana
against him. with himself candidate. But because
he is typical politician that circumstances need not
worry Mr. Hoover his friends In fact the Indiana
senator became lifelong Hooverite as soon as the
Kansas City convention had done its work. for 1t is
loser his consistent motto The king is dead long live
the king!"
Nevertheless the selection of Senator Watson will
not enhance the prestige glory of the Republican
party For many years it has been gradually Sloughng
off good many statesmen of the Watson type and
while of the substtutionS have not been of the
pink geranium variety they have been free of the i'm
putation that they local bosses at home who
would stand for any kind of political crookedneSS so
long their ticket won. On the other hand, the
floor leadership is of technical position than
otherwise, having to do with the actual expedi
ton of concrete legislative matters than with party
national policies which the incumbent is accustomed
to accept they handed to him. His specie job is
to put through or to block such measures as the
caucus, the administration other recognized
authority desgnaes, and this MEANS with the assist
ance Of the party whip, maintaining continuous
vey of conditions in the senate and the pounding up
enough votes to accomplish any desired result.
Senator Watsons chief rival appears to be Wesley
L. Jones of Washington high-grade man, progress
i've independent and forceful. Whether he possesses
the skill and diplomacy of Watson may be question:
but his selection would go down" very much better
with forward-looking Republicans throughout the
country than that of the Indiana man. Senator Cur
It's is in very embarrassing position in the premises
Tor President Coolidge wants him to retain the lead
erShip until next March, whereas if he does that
new Governor will assume office in Kansas in January
and undoubtedly will appoint sworn political enemy
of Curtis perhaps former Governor Henry j. Allen in
his place 1t is not known that Mr. Hoover has any
preference to the floor leadership or would express
it if he had it IS not strictly speaking any of The
Presidents business how the senate organizes ITSELF 1t
would be a far cry, however from Nelson W. Aldrich
or Jacob H. Galinger to Jim Watson.