The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1934-11-23
G. o. p. Reconeiled

TOT the more radical OF his aov1Sera
G. O. P. Reconeiled
So far from having a definite plan to
revive the Republican party, the plain
truth is that most of the so-called
G. o. P. leaders are actually reconciled
to a continuance of Democratic pre-
dominance for at least three more
years. Down in their hearts they have
very little hope Of defeating Roosevelt
for reelection in 1885, If he lives. They
have no outstanding leader in mind
who might carry their, standard of vic
tory two years hence. and they have
no particular issue in mind on which
to base the Presidential battle.
Half a dozen important Republicans,
talking privately to the writer, several
just before election day, and others as
the returns were coming in, voiced the
same idea-though, not Of course, for
quotation in connection with their
names. Their logic runs about as fol-
lows:
The Democrats have had a top-heavy
majority in the house for two years.
Largely due to the fact that congress
was SO completely ov~ershadowed by
the executive branch Of the govern
ment, this did not involve them in the
troubles which a top-heavy majority
usually spells for the party having 1t.
They are now certain to have that
top-heavy majority for two more years.
The extreme probability is that Roose-
welt will be overwhelmingly reelected
In 1886. That means continuance Of
the top-heavy majority for two more
years, a total Of six.
Now. these Republicans contend,
that Is too much for any party to stand
without developing riffs which will tear
1t to pieces. 1t is the history Of cleo
tive parliamentary bodies that no party
al 60 ahead without serious internal
splits for a long period of time with
top-heavy majorities.
Some History
But 1t is interesting to note what
happened to the Republicans after they
had eight years of full control, culmi-
mating with the Hoover landslide. If
they had had only a bare majority of
the two houses in 1929, when the tariff
bill was taken up, it is contended by
many Republican leaders, it would
have been impossible for the Smoot-
Hawley tariff bill to be pushed through.
Hoover did not want it. Congress ran
away with him after his suggestion Of
mild increases on farm products.
Most people have forgotten 1t, be-
cause 50 much has happened since, but
the publicity of the deadly Shouse-
Nicholson machine. which destroyed
Hoover. pounded away for years IN
that tariff bill. All the blame for the
world depression vas put on 1t.
Turning back to Woodrow Wilson,
his popularity ebbed after his re-elec-
ton In 1915. Republicans are figuring
that after 1886 Roosevelt's strength will
melt just as rapidly. They figure that
the gigantic governmental spending
cannot be kept up, and that there will
be no gratitude for past favors nee
It IL seen that the future promises cur
tailment.
FI1Vately the Oem0cratlc leaders,
many Of them. admit the logic just pre-
scented, but point out that Roosevelt IL
just ras familiar with this sort of thing
~ are the Republicans. He will, they
contend, have plenty of new things to
spring, and who. they demand, is likely
to arise in the opposition who Is as
sklllful As he in moulding public SEN
timent3s
But the main point Of all this is not
to attempt to forecast the far-distant
future. but to .appraise the probabili-
ties In the congress to convene in jan
uary. The fact Is now that the Re
publicans have no particular objective.
They have no idea who their leaders
: to be, nor what will be their is
sue So they cannot work toward
anything.
cepyrisht-wNu Service