Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-13
PRESIDENT TESTS
COALITION OFFER
Asks Robinson for Co-opera-
ton on Supply Bills
in Congress.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

Out Of the discussion of cooperation
between the major political parties has
come a concrete proposal which will
determine definitely at an early date
whether there is to be an extra session
of Congress in the Spring.
Stimulated by the offer of co-opera-
ton signed by the leaders of the Demo-
cratic party, President Hoover has
asked Senator Robinson, minority lead
er of the Senate, If there can be CO.
operation in the short session beginning
next month and an understanding that
appropriation bills will not be held up.
This request, addressed to one of the
seven signers Of the cooperation state
ment made by the Democrats, brings
the issue to head just as some Demo-
Gratis are beginning to criticise their
leadership for the already famous pro-
posal of coalition rule.
Critics Resent Apology.
The tack taken by the critics, how
ever, is that the seven Democratic lead
ers were "apologizing for the victory"
This comment is made by Senator Glass
Of Virginia. former Secretary OF the
Treasury under the Wilson administra-
ton, and by cambridge Colby, former
Secretary of State under the same
regime.
Just why the cooperation statement
should have been thus interpreted, when
it was full of triumphant phrases and
even caustic references to the Hoover
administration, is diff1cult to explain,
but the Democratic party has always
had plenty of differences Of opinion in
its ranks and 1t has always had q
radical or insurgent group similar TO
that in the Republican party. The busi-
ness interests of the country have never
feared the Democratic conservatives
but their radical brethren.
Senator Joseph Robinson has a pres
tige among his colleagues which sur
passes that OF any other leader the
Democrats have had in years. 1t was
his influence that put. through the
London naval treaty. Backed as he
is in this instance by Alfred E. Smith.
John w. Davis and James M. Cox, as
well as by Representative Garner,
minority leader of the House, the
chances are he will have no difhculty
in bringing about the desired co-opera-
ton, Though to be sure the matter prob
ably will be left to a party caucus.
President Takes Lead.
From a strategic point Of view. Presi-
dent Hoover now holds the upper hand.
The. Democrats disclaim obstruction
seven prominent Democrats publicly
disclaim 1t. Senator Glass disclainls 1t,
too, but doesn't think it was neces-
sary to say so publicly because he re-
scented the inference that the Demo-
Gratis could ever be guilty of obstruction.
Anyway, the matter to settle Is
there will or will not be OBJ
struction. Mr.. Hoover thought it was
timely to inquire. The Democrats will
answer as soon as the Congress recon-
venes. And by that time the country
may have said a few things, too, about
petty partisanship in a critical period
IN American history.
The movement for cooperation is
growing instead of diminishing and
the more 1t is discussed and criticized
by those who want to retain their
the clearer will the lines
be drawn in December and the easier
will 1t be to get q coalition majority
in both Houses in favor Of cooperation
on essential measures.
copyright, 1990.)