National Affairs: Mortal Coyle

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Last week Congressman William Radford Coyle of Pennsylvania cracked a joke of which the theme promises to be stale indeed before the 72nd House is organized. Mr. Coyle was traveling from San Francisco to San Diego. At first he planned to go by airplane. Then, cautiously, he took a train instead. His reason: "I couldn't run any risks, as I am one of the two Republicans who hold the balance of power in the House."

As everyone knows, Mr. Coyle's statement was not quite accurate. When he spoke, there were 218 Republicans, 216 Democrats, but also one Farmer-Laborite in the 72nd House (TIME, Dec. 1). Republican power was temporarily strengthened during the week when Democrat John Francis Quayle of New York suddenly died. A Democrat was certain to be elected to the vacancy. Nevertheless, this death reminded both parties that many an accident may happen before the 72nd Congress meets, to alter its political complexion, its significance. Between Dec. 1, 1929 to Dec. 1, 1930, Death's delegation in the House was 12.