Majorities

The death on March 24 of Senator Samuel D. Nicholson of Colorado deprives the Republicans of another vote in the next Senate. In the new Congress the Republicans had, until the death of Senator Nicholson, 53 Senators; the Democrats, 42; and the Fanner-Laborites, 1. Governor Sweet of Colorado, who must appoint a successor to Senator Nicholson, is a Democrat sponsored by the Nonpartisan League. Senators Ladd, Frazier, Shipstead, Wheeler, Howell, Brookhart and La Follette were also sponsored by the League. Consequently it is expected that a radical Democrat will be appointed to the vacancy caused by Senator Nicholson's death. The resulting alignment will be: Republicans 52 Democrats 43 Farmer-Labor 1 But if--as seems probable--the Progressive or Insurgent group of Republicans, numbering five or ten, and Senator Shipstead, the Farmer- Laborite, vote with the Democrats on many questions, the alignment will be: '

Republicans 42-47

Democrats, etc 49-54

The Democrats will have a majority. Control of the Senate by the Administration will be at an end. This new state of affairs is likely to be felt as soon as the 68th Congress assembles. The chairmanship of the Finance Committee is left vacant by the retirement of Senator McCumber. This committee handles tariff" and other financial measures; so control of it is very desirable to the La Follette bloc. Senator Smoot, who is classed as a reactionary, would, according to seniority precedent, naturally become chairman. But next to Smoot in seniority is La Follette himself. It is entirely probable that the Progressives, using the fact that they control the balance of power, may attempt to elect their leader to the post.