Evening star., 1936-01-15

Impending events should speedily show
to what extent if any, President Roose-
velts control" of Congress has shrunk.
The vote on legislation to replace A. A. A.
will supply the test. Both in House and
Senate it will provide brass tacks
demonstration as to how far the New
Deal has really slipped in popular es-
timation, for presumably the roll calls
will reflect to considerable degree the
sentiment prevalent back home" Some
authorities look for numerous defections
among members of both parties who
have supported previous recovery meas
ureS but who feel it's no longer polit-
ically unsafe to vote against Roosevelt"
Party leaders will have their ears close
to the ground while new farm legislation
is in the hopper to ascertain whether
the national wind is blowing for or
against New Deal policies. They're Curl
Gus to see if the recent straw poll show
ing Triple-A opposed by nearly go to 40
reflects itself in a correspondingly ad-
verse congressional vote against the
scheme to take its place.
y +
To be constantly remembered in con-
sidering developments on Capitol Hill, Is
IIldG II1S 10 dll ClCStiOI yCoA dAAo SAAoo
November is never out of members
minds. Democrats who must seek re-
election on ticket headed by the Presi-
dent are hesitant to chalk up q record
of opposition this Winter. except on the
bonus. lest they cut inconsistent figures
in advocating his cause next Fall. There
is the same kind of healthy respect Tor
the agricultural vote that there Is Tor
the veterans vote. Enlightened self
terest will make the average member,
Democrat and Republican alike, think
twice and thrice before opposing any
new Santa Claus program backed by the
farm organizations Politicians await
with lively interest the attitude Of South.
ern Senate Democrats like Smith OF
South Carolina. Bailey OF North caro-
lima, Byrd of Virginia and others VINO
have never concealed their hostility TO
New Deal agricultural regimentation
schemes. The prevalent belief, every.
thing considered, is that after the usual
pickering and bargaining the Roosevelt,
Wallace-Davis production control ana
soil conservation program will In due
course become law. The White House
hopes for speed.
His friends expect some more or less
definite indication of Senator Arthur H.
Vandenberg's attitude toward the Re-
publican presidential nomination when
he speaks at Lincoln day dinner In
New York City next month. It isn't
anticipated he will seize the occasion to
throw his hat formally into the ring, but
will merely define his position on out
standing issues, leaving all concerned to
draw their own conclusions. AS the days
roll by surveyors Of the G. o. p. situa-
ton incline more and more to the view
that Vandenberg will occupy highly
strategic dark horse position at Cleve-
land, provided he commits no breaks"
in the meantime. His persistent Tam.
not-a-candidate" attitude is considered
shrewd preconvention tactics. Not the
least Of vandenberg's elements OF
strength is Senator Borahis regard Tor
him and reputed readiness at the psy-
Geological moment to throw any strength
the Idahoan may command in the Mich
igan mans direction. vandenberg also
rates as standing high in Herbert Hoo
vers favor.
, Gov. Landon Of Kansas, too, Is due
shortly to make q speech that should
dispel doubt respecting his presidential
intentions. The occasion viii be an ad-
dreu at Topeka on Kansas day. jan