Evening star., 1952-11-08
Clash in Senate
0verG.0.P.R Rule
Seems Unlikely
Democrats to Shun
Fight on Control
Despite Close Vote
BY the Associated Press

Democratic Senators showed no
signs today of trying to block the
Republicans from taking over con-
troll of the Senate when the new
Congress conveneS January 8.
From their comments it ap-
peared that, despite the almost
even division between the two
parties. fight over Senate organ
iZation is unlikely to materialize.
Senator Hoey, Democrat of
North Carolina, told a reporter he
did not think there would be any
disposition among the Democrats
to try to prevent the Republicans
from grasping the leadership
reins, barring some material
change in the outlook.
Other Democrats who expressed
a similar view included Senators
Hunt of Wyoming and Fulbright
of Arkansas, the latter one of Gov.
Adlai Stevensons advisers in the
presidential campaign.
48 and Al and Morse.
Barring deaths OF vacancies
from other causes, the Republi-
cans will have 48 seats in the new
Senate, the Democrats At. The
other seat is held by Senator
Morse of Oregon. who declared
himself an Independent after bolt
ing the Republican Party to sup
port Gov. Stevenson.
If Senator Morse should vote
with the Democrats in organizing
the Senate and bring about a tie
vote, Vice President Barkley could
tip the scales against the Repub-
licans at the outset of the session.
But after January 20, when Vice
President Elect Nixon will take
office, he could reverse Mr.. Bark
ley's vote and give control to the
Republicans.
The party that controls the or
ganization of the Senate gains the
craftsmanship of committees and
other leadership posts that are the
key to guiding the legislative pro-
gram.
Morse Won't Comment.
Senator Morse has refused to
say what he will do. but his vote
on Senate organizat ton would be
of little Importance in the absence
of a fight for control by the Demo-
Gratis.
Senators Hoey. Hunt and Full
bright all took the position in
separate interviews that it would
be pointless for the Democrats to
put up a scrap for power that
could be held little more than two
weeks.
They also said it would be poor
politics, that it would be better
to let the Republicans assume
control and responsibility in view
of their election sweep.
The Democrats, however. will
have to choose floor leader to
replace Senator Mcfarland of
Arizona. defeated in Tuesdays
election.
Opening for Russell.
Indications are that Senator
Russell of Georgia can have the
post if he wants it. This was
true two years ago. but he was
unwilling to take it then.
An informed source said Senator
Russell does not want the job now
but might accept it.
Senator Russell is the leader OF
Southern Democratic Senators
and their position has been streng-
thened by the defeat in the
election of Democratic senators
in other parts of the country.
Senator Fulbright said he would
like very much" to see Senator
Russell become the Democratic
floor ieader-a sentiment echoed
by Senator Hoey. If Senator Rus
sell would not take it, Senator
Hoey said he would like to see the
post go to Senator johnson OF
Texas, now the party whip or as
sistant leader.
| Others who have been men
toned for the leadership post in
clude Senators Hill of Alabama
Kerr of Oklahoma. Monroney OF
Oklahoma, Kefauver Of Tennessee
and Fulbright.