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Hokitika Guardian, 3 May 1928, Page 2

Tun results of the preliminary election tests known as the “primaries” in the United Stales now coming to hand seem to justify the prediction that the contest for the Presidency will be fought, out Ik’tweeti Mr Hoover for the Republicans and Governor Al. Smith for the Democrats, ’flic.se "primaries” arc a factor in the American political system f.i which there is no exact parallel elsewhere. As laird llryce pointed out long ago in his famous work ■on the United States, party polities enter into the election of the Governors and legislatures of the individual States, and into life selection of officials for all important public posts. The “primaries” are polls of the party members in each State at which these matters are decided and as “the selecting by a party of its candidates, instead of allowing candidates to start on their own account, is a universal practice in the United States.” it may he assumed with certainly that the choice made in the “primaries” for the Presidential election is. barring accidents. coiiclrfsive and final. The results reported from Ohio, points out an exchange, indicate only the relative strengths of the Lwo parties in that State. But they are clearly taken by the American Press as an indication of the position elsewhere, and it is generally admitted that the decision of one powerful State usually provides a lead for nianv others to follow. In spile of the opposition to Governor Smith as a Roman Catholic and an enemy of Prohibition, his claims are so strong that practically all bis Democratic rivals have faded into the background. As to the Republicans, their last hone of inducing President C'oolidge to stand again have just been dissipated by bis final refusal, and Afr Hoover. Secretary of Commerce, is their best alternative. But the Farmers' Party, who are strong in the Middle AY est, were using Mr Lowden as a "stalking horse” for General Dawes, who is .Mr Hoover’s strongest rival. Now the elimination of Bowden in favour of Hoover means virtually the defeat of Dawes, and though I lie Presidcnia! .polling day is still some distance off. It seems to be taken for granted in the United States that FJoaver will be the Republican Party choice. It tlien remains to be seen whether the .sectarian prejudices fomented by the ICu Txlux Klaii and the “dry” campaign initiated bv Senator Porab will avail to -tern the tide of Democratic reaction and prevent the election of Al. Smith.