CONVENTION OPENS’

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1932, Page 5

CONVENTION OPENS’

U.S. DEMOCRATS

MP. ROOSEVELT’S POSITION

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

CHICAGO, June 27. r The Democratic Party’s Convention was opened,, to-day with a prayer 'by Commander, Evangeline • Booth (Saivation Army) jin which: ; she .asked for wisdom aioiv the delegates-in the hour of the nation’/S greatest need. A grotesque : note was struck, wired after “The Star ' Spangled' Banner”; was sung- by a lady from'"'Massachusetts, a man on the floor brandished' .his crutch, and shrieked. The Mayor of Chicago, Mi; Cermak, \\Vls then introduced. iSomewhat incongruously he expressed the hope that the new. spirit which was in Chicago would dominate America. thereat.er he. ■switched quickly to a warning that “millions of hungry men, women and children look to you.” He concluded with the demand for a repeal of tlm Eighteenth Amendment. The chairman i(Mt R&skob) in hi>prohibition law opening addrossj reiterated the repeal motif, .and declarfed that prohibition wfts the single greatest economic quostlou before th.bat’on. - ’•>

The temperamental and volatile Democratic Tarty delegates ‘were quick to re-act to Governor Roosevelt’s surrender on .the rule for a two-thirds majority of the Convention -to secure nomination in the Presidency 1 There have been many interpretations tonignt a-* ro the affect of .this' surrend

It said that it amounted to an admission ’.by .’Mr “Roosevelt, of defeat for the Party’s nomination.

There is a rumour spreading that. Governor Ritchie, of Maryland will probably be ■ the successful aspirant for the nomination, but Mr Roosevelt seems intrinsically the strongest figure, despite the day’s developments. Meanwhile, vacillation and uncertainty among .the delegations is now apparent. Mr Roosevelt appears to be likely to be able to dictate the choice of a Permanent Chairman for the Convention favourable to his aspirants. This may put the Convention completely under his control.

The enemies of Mr Roosevelt, even to-night, after scoring their first victory against, him, are not united. Despite much serious business, the delegates are making the Michigan Boulevard a grand carnival, with many •bands and' many singers, including those of womens’ kiltie bagpipes, who both .blare aild sing for “Alfalfa Ril.” Murray. -

The delegates -are moving through the hotels and on’ the footpath?'. : The Denmmt* add a colour to Ob'La go, which the Republicans could not do.