However doubtful he might be as a positive asset his
dexterity and power of expression are such that he would be very
dangerous as a liability. A report that Borah is on the rampage
affects Republican leaders very much as a run on a bank affects
financial leaders. They are not quite sure when either is going to
stop. Borah knows that most of the men with whom he is dealing are
clay and estimates with uncanny accuracy the degree to which he can
compel them to meet his demands.
This method has not always been successful. It was singularly
unsuccessful in the case of Senator Penrose. Borah is the
antithesis of Penrose, whom he dislikes intensely. Several years
ago he interpreted a remark made by the Senator from Pennsylvania
to another Senator as a thrust at his own political ethics, or lack
of them. It was a petty affair at most and Penrose never admitted
the accuracy of Borah's construction, but Borah has had nothing to
do with him since. When the present Congress was in process of
organization Borah announced that he would bolt the party caucus if
Penrose were slated for the chairmanship of the Finance Committee
to which he was entitled according to the rule of seniority. It was
a ticklish situation. The Republicans had a bare majority in the
Senate and if any of them deserted the organization it might mean
Democratic control.
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