Evening star., 1937-09-03
THE POLITICAL
MILL
BY G. GOULD LINCOLN.

La Toilette Of Wisconsin, independent
Progressive, would be the choice of
President Roosevelt for President in
1941-provided Roosevelt decides finally
not to seek third term himself. Just
what political party ticket Senator La
Toilette could run on-outside of an en-
tirely new national party tickets more
than a puzzle. That the next Demo-
cratic National Convention would nomi-
nate the Wisconsin Senator, even at the
command OF President Roosevelt, seems
far beyond the realm of probability. It
seems, indeed, impossible.
The La Follettes In Wisconsin, Gov
ernor and Senator, have been particular
favorites of President Roosevelt ever
since they kicked in for him in the presi-
dental campaign of 1882. They are the
chief exponents of progressivism in the
Middle West tOday-not even excepting
Senator George w. Norris of Nebraska.
They have been ardent New Dealers
In the session just closed Senator La
Toilette has supported practically every
move made by the President, including
the Presidents effort to increase the
size of the Supreme Court 1t was
Harrison of Mississippi that La Toilette
worked among Democratic Senators from
the West to win votes for Senator Bark
ley of Kentucky in the contest for Demo-
cratic leader of the Senate, after the
death OF Senator Joe" Robinson of
Arkansas. Barkley was the choice of
the administration for the post. He
won by margin of one vote in the Dem
nf hn
The name of Senator La Toilette was
used in connection with the vacancy in
the Supreme Court, caused by the re-
tlrement of Justice Van Devanter If
the President had him under considera-
tion for the post, no mention was made
OF 1t, and the appointment went to Sena-
tor Black of Alabama, now Mr. Justice
Black. But the mere fact that La Fol-
lette was reported to be under consid-
Grafton is indicative Of the regard with
which the President holds the Wiscon-
sin Progressive.
Senator La Toilette has travelled a
long way since he was elected to sue
ceed his father as a member of the Sem
ate. back in 1925. Twelve years ago he
was barely 30 years old. the constitu-
tlonal age set for membership in the
Senate. He became virtually the leader
OF the ProgreSsives in Wisconsin, first
remaining within the ranks of the Re-
publican party. When it appeared that
he might be squeezed out of the Senate
falling to win in the Republican pri-
mary, with the Democrats rallying more
strongly to their own candidate in the
party primaries, he took a bold step.
a nd h fo1J
new Progressive party in the State.
Ihey did SO, and he won reelection to
the Senate over both Republican and
democratic nominees. At that time he
had the virtual blessing of President
Roosevelt. although the Democrats had
a candidate in the field against him.
The discussion now of La Toilette as a
possible presidential nominee is signifi-
cant. Especially is it significant when
the Presidents name is linked with the
gossip. II the President has any such
ideas, 1t is entirely clear that he is break
ing away from the conservative wing of
the Democratic party 1t leads to the
belief that the Chief Executive and titu-
lar head of the Democratic party is
through" with the conservatives in the
party, is willing to let them 60 their own
course and is ready to rely entirely upon
the Progresslves, no matter what their
party designation may be-
La Toilette has made an excellent
Senator He has fought consistently for
progressive legislation. He seems more
strongly intrenched in his own State
than ever. II there is to be a new ma
tlonal Progressive party. with the back
Ing OF organized labor and the farmers
OF the country, he would be a logical
choice to head that party and to be-
come its presidential nominee. In Wis
consln there has been q growing de-
mand Tor an expansion Of the Progress
slVe party along national lines. Such
a move would have the backing of the
Farmer-Laborites of Minnesota, the
Non-Partisan Leaguers Of North Dakota.
and probably of many of the Progres-
slVes in the East and the North. Forty
years or more ago the senior La Toilette,
nrst as Governor of Wisconsin and then
as Senator, dominated his State politi-
cally and sought to extend his political
beliefs throughout the country In
1924, when the Republicans nominated
CALVIN Coolidge and the Democrats
turned down Senator McAdoo of Cali
fornia and nominated John w. Davis,
the late Senator La Toilette ran as an
| independent Progressive candidate for
President. He carried, 1t is true, only one
State, his own. He received in the neigh
borhood Of 100000 votes throughout
the country. Times have changed since
then. Either the country is going more
| progressive or it is going to swing back
| to more conservative channels. 1t seems
clear that President Roosevelt believes
the country is going more and more
| radical
A great deal is made in the public
| prints over the question-did Congress
appropriate something more than $1O,-
| 100000, 900 as maintained by Representa-
! tive Taber Of New York, Republican, or
about 5000 900 900, according to the
Democratic chairman of the House Ap-
| preparations Committee, Cannon. No
matter which of these men is correct,
| 1t is apparent that the last session of
| Congress gave no help toward Govern
ment economy. There is little to hope
for from the next session of Congress,
| unless the Roosevelt administration has
change OF heart. How long this SPEND
| Ing parade can continue no one seems
to know. The end must come some time.
- X \
President Roosevelt has signed the
| sugar bill-which he did not like His
action may or may not have bearing
on special session of Congress which
the President is said to have been con-