Political Notes

A "special senate for foreign affairs" is what Frank A. Vanderlip, the New York banker, proposed in a speech on the Pacific Coast. Instability and ignorance are the faults for which Mr. Vanderlip blames our present system of conducting foreign relations -- policies changing every four years, new and untrained amateurs saddled with the responsibilities of diplomacy. This is his proposal: A body of mature men, elected from the United States at large, for not less than ten years each; five members to change at each congressional election; half the body would form a quorum; the remainder would travel abroad as part of their duty, acquiring first hand information of international affairs; during the course of his ten years' devotion to foreign affairs every man would become an expert. The Jefferson Day dinner, designated by tradition as the official gathering of National Democratic leaders, will take place at the Astor Hotel, Manhattan, on April 14 under the chairmanship of James W. Gerard, former Ambassador to Germany. The list of speakers includes Governor Parker of Louisiana, Governor Smith of New York, Governor Silzer of New Jersey and Royal S. Copeland, junior United States Senator from New York. The return to the United States of John T. Adams, of Iowa, Chairman of the Republican National Committee, who has been making a cruise of the Mediterranean, seems likely to be followed by important developments within the Republican party. Mr. Adams, with the record of last Fall's election behind him, is considered an unlikely man to lead the Republican organization to victory in 1924. Already there is talk of a more aggressive leader, such as Charles D. Hilles, for Mr. Adams' position. Knowing this, and having in mind the opinion of many prominent Republicans, Mr. Adams is likely to retire. Will Senator-Elect Earl B. Mayfield of Texas follow Mr. Newberry to the bourne from which no politicians return? According to statisticians, Mayfield's chances are these: Five Republicans and 27 Democrats that he will sit in the Senate; 47 Republicans, 15 Democrats, and Senator Shipstead (Farmer-Labor) that he will not. Senator Mayfield was "elected by the Ku Klux Klan"--which is enough to put most Republicans and the Northern Democrats against him. In addition, he is accused of various corrupt practices. It is expected that he will be allowed to take his seat in the Senate and that then an investigation will be ordered. Already the cry is going up: "A Mayfield for a Newberry!"