Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-01-18

The assignment Of Senator La Fol-
lette to the powerful financial commit
tee Is considered by some as mere po-
litical strategy in an election year.
But others look upon this recognition
Of the insurgents as a sign of changing
times, and likewise changing names on
the Senate rolls, which has broken
down the seniority of Eastern Repub-
licans.
Senators Borah, Norris, Smoot and
Jones are explained in part by the
seniority system" says the Springfield
Republican independently "The East
has been changing It's Senators too
often to maintain the influence In the
Senate organization that its relative
population and wealth entitle 1t to
claim. If the East fails to send able
men to the Senate and to keep them
there long enough to dig in, it must
expect to cool It's heels in the ante
chamber of power" The Santa Bar
bara Daily News (Democratic) states
that the victory of La Toilette and
his supporters and the acceptance OF
the hereditary radical from Wisconsin
into the most powerful of Senate COM
mittees will exercise an important in
fluence on legislation. But 1t Is even
more important" continues that paper,
I'm marking the breaking away from
old precedents."
"The regular leaders are making the
best of It," remarks the Pittsburgh POST
Gazette Republican,. Their under
taking at first to fight showed plainly
their feeling on the subject. But the
party and the coming campaign had to
have some consideration. The insurgents
gave evidence Of readiness to carry the
fight to the country. Obviously 1t would
not be well to allow that to happen.
," The groups doubtless will again
be reminded that If they can come to
an agreement for party purposes in a
campaign they ought to be able also to
cooperate for the carrying out OF an
administration program in legislation.
Meanwhile the Old Guard may be slowed
up in entering fights without having
a fairly good idea Of how they are
likely to come out"
THE Republican regulars have de-
| cided that discretion is the better part
| Senator La Toilette rather than invite
an extension of the coalition from the
tariff to other matters" thinks the
| st. Paul Pioneer Press independently
The Charleston Daily Mail independent
| Republican, sees two things as promi-
nent in the two selections: THE first
is that the expected factional fight on
the floor will not materialize, at least
not in the way expected; and second,
| for the first time In number OF years
! the Northwest Is given recognition on
the important committee which shapes
| finance and tariff measures" The
| Savannah Press (Democratic) concludes
that the Old Guard had to surrender"
The Asheville Times independent
| Democratic) declares: THUS another
short but decisive battle in the Senate
ends In defeat for the Old Guard,
Whether the result will be greater
and an early agreement on the tariff
| bill is yet to appear. But of this there
| can be no doubt: the Old Guard
publicly acknowledges that the days of
| its absolute authority are passed"
1.-THE selection of Mr.. La Toilette" as
viewed by the wheeling Intelligencer
Republican,, appears to be a piece of
equity. The Independent, or radical,
| Republicans in the Senate are distinct
body that must be taken into con-
| sideration. Their membership Sepre-
sents a number of important States
| States that have consistently voted for
Republican candidates for the presi-
dency. Their numbers entitle them to
respectable consideration on any of the
important committees. A Senate COM
mittee should be representative Of the
Senate membership. On no other
principle can the Senate do its work
effectively, and the recognition of that
principle frankly best tends to promote
party harmony and effective organiza-
ton"
Strong opposition to the La Toilette
action Is expressed by the Detroit Free
Press independently with the site
ment: 1.-THE Republican Organization
J after reading number OF Senators
out OF the party at the time of the
FIRST La Toilette schisnn, allowed them