Illness and bolting among Republicans, and proposed organization by Democrats favorable to independent are expected to prove vital factors in the fight. Four Republicans, Representatives Helge, of North Dakota; Capstick, of New Jersey, Cooper of West Virginia, and Meeker, of Missouri, are ill, and probably will not be present. Two Republicans, Representatives Gardner, of Massachusetts, and Gray, of New Jersey, have said they will not vote for Representative Mann, the Republican nominee for Speaker, on the first ballot. Democrats hope that they will support Clark. Hence, at the best, it is estimated that the Republicans cannot poll more than 300 of their total vote. Mann on the first roll call, even if their entire membership is present. Democrats insist that they will have at least 213, if not 1,000 of their own members present to vote for Clark, and they are counting on enough independents to give the 215 necessary for election.

GOOD assignments
There were persistent rumors today that the Democrats were planning choice committee assignments for independents who joined them in the organization fight. It was said, too, that New York Democrats, who at times have been a tendency to bolt and who, it was feared might stand with Representative Gallivan, of Massachusetts, in opposition to the administration program, also are to be well taken care of. Old chairmen who returned to Congress are to be retained at the heads of committees if the Democrats.  Control, and, except in rare instances, other advancements will be made under the seniority rule. 