Evening star., 1938-01-25
THE POLITICAL
MILL
BY G. GOULD LINCOLN.

The Senate Privileges and Elections
Committee is sitting today on the top OF
a keg Of political dynamite. It has be-
fore 1t the petition of labor's Nom
Partisan League and charges filed by
others with regard to John Milton, new
Senator from New Jersey II it under
takes to investigate the charges, which
involve Mayor Frank Hague Of Jersey
City, Democratic boss of the State, the
whole political picture in Hudson Coun-
| ty-Jersey City-may be dragged into
the open. Hague has for years been a
dominating figure in Jersey politics and
also In the national Democratic party.
He Is vice chairman of the Democratic
National Committee.
| Without any discussion on the floor
whatever, Milton, described as the right
hand man Of Mayor Hague, was allowed
to take the oath of office yesterday.
There are those who insist the Privileges
and Elections Committee is unlikely ever
| to 60 into charges made against the new
| Senator, with open hearings. Senator
| George Of Georgia, chairman Of the
committee declares, however, that when
opportunity Is given his committee will
consider the charges and determine what
Will be done, II anything. At present
Senator George and other Senators are
| tied up IN the filibuster which is under
way to defeat action on the anti-lynching
bill. Until that issue Is out of the way,
there will be no time for a meeting of
| the committee.
Milton will hold Office only until next
november, when q new Senator will be
elected In New Jersey. That is another
reason advanced for not getting all "het
up over the appointment. He will not
be candidate for election, it is said. but
will merely fill the seat to which he was
appointed until the November election
| is over.
The political situation in New JERSEY IL
worrying the Democrats. They admit it
themselves. The business depression Is
at the root of their troubles, they say.
II conditions improve in the next few
months they hope to elect a Senator
next fall. II they do not improve, look
out for trouble and Republican to sue
ceed Milton. Former Senator Warren
w. Barbour will seek the Republican
nomination, and will get it, il observers
IN New Jersey are correct. It is sup.
| gested that former Gov. Hoffman NAV
enter the lists against Barbour for the
Republican nomination. and II he does
there will be real contest. A number
OF possible Democratic aspirants for the
senatorial nomination are mentioned
among them Representative Sutphin.
William Mckenzie, Harry H. Ely and
James Cromwell. Nothing has crystal-
lied, so far.
Cromwell. husband OF the former Dor
rls Duke, was mentioned weeks ago as a
possible appointee Of Gov. Moore to fill
the seat which has now gone to Senator
milton. He Is the author of a book in
oelense OF capitalism, and not long ago
appeared before a congressional COM
mlttee advocating the modification of
the estate and gift taxes. Representa-
i've Sutphin is seeking to discourage ac-
tlvity in behalf Of himself for the Senate
nomination. He does not want it. he
says. There are widespread rumors that
deal is under way in New Jersey to
make 1t easy for Barbour to win the cleo
ton, no matter whom the Democrats
may nominate-and that Frank Hague
Is involved in 1t. Undoubtedly the ru-
mors will be denied. But they are not
calculated to inspire any Democrat with
enthusiasm for the senatorial nomina-
ton this year.
The announcement that former Gov,
george White Of Ohio will enter the
Democratic senatorial primary against
Senator Robert J. Bulkley has aroused
interest here. White was chairman of
the Democratic National Committee
and ran the campaign OF former Gov.
Jimmy" Cox for President in 1920
when Franklin D. Roosevelt was Cox's
running mate. However, a draft Dona-
hey for Governor" move is under way.
II Senator Donahey agrees to run for
Governor, it will mean that two SEN
ate seats will be fought for in Ohio
next fall Perhaps White has his eve on
the Donahey seat as we'll as that of
Senator Bulkley, and will be satisfied
with such a nomination-if Senator
Donahey really makes the race for Gov
ernor Donahey, considered the greatest
vote getter in the State, has been Gov
ernor OF the State three times-consecu-
tively-and may be willing to take q
fourth term.
Ohio looms as political battle-ground
this year. The Republicans are hopful
they may succeed in wrestling the State
from Democratic control. Administra-
ton Democrats would be glad to see
Gov. Martin A. Davey disposed of ef-
fectually. They believe that Donahey
could turn the trick. And they believe
that he would be stronger head for the
state ticket than any other candidate
although Donahey has not been in favor
OF all the New Deal measures advanced
by the President.
Gov. Happy" Chandler will bite OF
more than he can chew If he undertakes
70 run against Senator Barkley in the
senatorial primaries in Kentucky this
year, In the opinion OF recent visitors to
the State. A group of Democratic Sena-
tors went to Kentucky for the dinner
gwen in honor OF Senator Barkley in
Louisville on Saturday, celebrating Is
years In the House and Senate for the
democratic leader Of the Upper House.
Ihey returned to Washington convinced
that Barkley will take the measure of his
Youthful opponent if the Governor enters
the lists. The President. in 4 letter to
his secretary. Marvin Mcintyre, which
was read at the dinner, gave great praise
to Senator Barkley. This Is regarded As
placing the administration firmly back of
Barkley in any contest that may arise,
The Governor, 1t is believed, would like
to be IN line for the Senate In the event
Senator Logan should be given a Judi
cial appointment.
4 II