The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-09-21
(NEA Service Writer)

tNE<EA SCEtlNO
 Washington. - The late Nicho- las Longworth once expressed the thought that only the Creator could guess which party would or- ganize the House and elect its next speaker. Longworth and several other members are since dead and the uncertainty has only increased. The one difference in the situa- ton which has developed since the demise of the last congress, as re- gards the issue of party control. is that since Nick Longworth's death there has been a gradual growth of opinion that Democratic Floor Leader Jack Garner of Texas will stand an excellent chance of being elected to the speakership even If the republicans continue to hold their bare majority of seats.
 Gamers Advantage
 Chief factors of uncertainty are the doubt as to the exact division of the 435 seats when Congress meets in December and the obvious fact that some men in each party do not believe that it Is wise for their side of the aisle to take con- trol unless it can help 1t.
 Several things have served 10 promote the belief that Garner IS better bet than either of the principal republican aspirants. Floor Leader John Q. Tilson and Chairman Bert Shell of the rules committee. First, there Is Garner himself, who is certainly more popular and probably smarter than Tilson or Shell. Also, Garner is
 T l. fNlI a. lenting yen for the speakership now that Longworth is gone. And, whereas Shell would not have the united support of republican mem- bers even if there were no Tilson and Tilson wouldn't have it If there were no Shell, Garner has his dem- Longworth used to have the repub- licans.
 There are republican insurgents who take their party label very lightly and there is Congressman Paul J. Kvale, the lone Farmer Labor member from Minnesota. If the democrats gain just one seat between now and December Mir Kvale will find PIT republicans on one side of him and PIT democrats on the other side of him and if they all should happen to vote on strict ly party lines when time comes to organize the house, MT Kvale would have the ultimate in strateg- ic positions. MT kvale might reas- onably be expected to be buried under a snowstorm of promises. Banks on PrOercssives
 There has been a report, uncon- firmed and undenied, that both Kvale and Congressman Maas, Minnesota insurgent republican. have agreed to vote for Garner. Assuming that the house convened with 21S republicans and PIG dem ocrats-a lineup still likely to per- sist-and that none but kvale and Maas failed to vote for his party's cancus candidate, that would do the trick for Garnc'. But there Is some uncertainty also about two or three other progressive members which also strengthens Garner confidence.
 The speakership situation is now so tight-or loose, as you like that other elements than those mentioned may enter in and decide the outcome. It must be remem- bered that besides the election of one man as speaker the organiza- tion of the house also involves the prestige and responsibilities of control and the coveted committee chairmanships with their privilege of directing legislation. Also one of the first questions before the new house will be that of relaxing the rigid rules which enabled the republicans to control completely when they had big majority. Among several special elections to be held to fill seats before con gress meets the contest for Long