U.S. PRESIDENCY

Hokitika Guardian, 22 May 1928, Page 2

U.S. PRESIDENCY

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph .—Copyright.) NEW YORK, Alay 21. With the apparent victory for Governor AL Smith in the Oregon state primaries, thus adding ten more delegates to the impressive following of which he is already assured at the Democratic National Convention there are efforts now being renewed tot bring about arrangements by which he will bo nominated by acclamation. This intense optimism is characteristic of an American political campaign when the favourite aspirant for nomination seems headed for victory. However, it has another side to it. Governor Smith must have the solid support of the Southern States to obtain nomination. Yet yesterday, the Southern Baptist Church, with a- membership of three million seven hundred thousand, and with immense political influence at its annual convention, held at Chattanooga pledged itself to break the Democratic Party lines rather than see an unnamed friend of liquor interests become President of the United States. A tremendous discussion occurred before this decision was taken, but the threat to holt from the Democratic Party is no small menace, which Governor Smith lias yet to overcome before be obtains the Democratic nomination.

SMITH'S SOUTHERN SUPPORTERS NEW YORK, May 21.

Strangely enough, the movement for Governor Smith’s nomination by acclamation is of Southern origin. Ilis supporters in the South arc intensely beset by the problem of overcoming the Southern States’ inherent suspicion of a Roman Catholic and a “wet.”

Nevertheless the Southern supporters of Governor Smith have determined that ail issue of a similar nature may succeed, in overcoming the Southern disinclination to nominate Governor Smith, and they have pounced with great glee upon tlic order issued by Air Hoover for the abolishing of the practice of segregating the negro workers from the white employees, in the United States Department of Commerce. There is a. story circulated!? in this connection, however, that the order was due to President Coolidge’s wish, but it nevertheless brings up the race issue that may very well remove tlic- last vestige of any Southern dislike of Governor Smith, since it is being whispered that Governor Smith would revoke Air Huwr’s order if he were elected. One cannot over stress the importance of the race question in the South. Many things can grow from it, such as, for instance, the case of Tennessee: That State sometimes goes Republican in the National elections, but it is going solidly Democratic at the next November election.

Ten States, namely Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Virginia, with 254 delegates, are classed up to date as being opposed to Governor Smith’s nomiiis-cion. Will the magic of the race issue swing them towards him? It is possible.

Moreover, it is understood that some pressure is being brought to bear to induce Senator Reed, tlie runnerup in the Democratic contest, to withdraw, and to declare for Governor Smith, hut Senator Reed’s attitude is such that he is not likely to yield. He holds that a good general does ihk surrender his army when his skirmis'S' line is being driven back. (Senator Reed may not succeed in getting the nomination himself, hut. since 761 Democratic delegates are needed to assure nomination' it can be seen that Senator Reed may possibly control enough delegates which, added to the delegates of Southern opposed States, may block Governor Smith’s nomination at tiie 'ast moment.

REPUISI .IGA N ASPIR ANTS. NEW YORK. May 21. In regard to the Republican Party’s nomination for President. Mr Hoover’s position, despite his Indiana defeat, continues to he the best of any Republican aspirant. His friends claim five hundred delegates Tor him, and only 545 are required for his nomination, hut his less opimistic supporters are inclined to he a little hitter over what they call the “LowdenDawes game.” This consists in keeping Bowden before the public eye as an important contender for the Presidential nomination, while bis honour is sought for General Dawes, who himself, continues to lie the least discussed of all the possible nominees. Air Lowden’s line of political argument is the same as it was in 1920. and 1924. It must he said, in justice to himself that in the name of agricultural relief, he came three days ago'to New York, and in this frankly and' : even brutally industrial and financial centre, he would talk oF nothing but of the farmer and his needs. Some commentator went so far as to say that he was a farmer, come to the city. Mr Hoover’s friends arc far from losing sight of Mr Lowden’s sharp and tin wavering line‘of attack. The-y counter it bv stressing Mr Hoover’s great popular appeal. A pronouncement issued last night by Air Hoover’s Washington manager, stated: “The convincing thing about bis candidacy lias been the fact that his strength is confined to no class.” Probably the manager, however, did not forget that this very same argument will he advanced on behalf of General Dawes at Kansas City. Mr Hoover’s supporters would like it better if General Dawes’s candidacy came out into the open,