Evening Star Newspaper, September 23, 1928, Page 18

18 THE SUNDAY STAR, WASHINGTON, D. €., SEPTEMBER 23, 1928—PART I. 'Nominees’ Speeches Dispel Uncertainty of Political Trend in Many States THE WEEK IN POLITICS | [SMITH'S ADDRESS PUTS VIM IN OKLAHOMA DEMOCRACY £.0.P.ININDIANA WELCOMES CURTIS Democrats Claim Swing to Smith Gains in L2ke County. Bpecial Dispatch to The Star. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., September 22. | —Indiana Republicans were greatly *gheered this week by the visit of Sen- “ator Curtis, vice presidential nominiee, -to Evansville. It was the Senator’s only | Stop in the State, but Republican lead- ers asserted that it demonstrated be- | yond all doubt that the Hoover-Curtis | ticket would be victorious in the first | congressional district. | Some apprchension had been felt about the first district, which is dom- fnated by Evansville, because many of residents are of German extraction, e & pecause ‘the city has the largest Catholic_population of any city in the State. Evansville also is regarded as having wet tendencies, but the city is so wide open now that the voters see nothing to be gained by supporting Gov. Smith on his State rights pro- posals, Evidence is found there, how- ever, that those of German extraction who left the Democratic reservation in 1916 are still leaning toward Republic- anism. One_incident cited to demon- strate that Evansville is bent toward Hoover is that in 1925 Mayor Herbert Males, supported by the Ku Klux Klan, won the mayoralty race over John K. Jennings, a Catholic, by more than 5,000 votes. Smith Swing Seen. More cheerful to Democrats, however, s the word from Lake County, where there is every evidence of a swing to Smith. Normally Lake County is good for a Republican majority of 20.000, but this year even the most optimistic Republican leader there will not claim more than 10,000, and most place their guess at 5000. Usually the United States Steel Corporation, which dom- inates the county, gives fulsome sup- rt to the Republican organization, mt thus far no word has been received and the G. O. P. leaders have begun to worry. Left to itself, Lake County probably would give Smith a handsome ma- fority. If the Republican organization Teceives its accustomed help from the industries it probably will land the county for Hoover, but if that aid is not forthcoming Smith stands a mighty good chance of annexing the heavily populated county. Marion County, which includes In- dianapolis, and which is the biggest voting center in the State, presents an enigma. Normally the county is about 20,000 Republican, and four years ago it ve President Coolidge a majority of 0,000. Hoover carried it by a small margin over Senator Watson in the primary campaign. Coffin Has Difficulties. As a rule the Republicans have de- nded on George V. Coffin, party boss, %o carry the county with his highly trained organization. But this time Coffin has considerable trouble. He pnly recently has eseaped trial through the statute of limitations on a charge of conspiracy with Gov. Ed Jackson to offer a bribe to Former Gov. McCray. His organization has been rocked by factional outbreaks and the Kian, on which he placed a good deal of de- pendence, has practically passed out of Bxistence as a _political’ entity. Then Rgain Coffin is fighting an uphill battle n trying to return Ralph Updike to Congress. Updike is being openly charged with having signed a contract With D. C. Stephenson, formerly Klan Hragon, for the disposal of patronage. Louis Ludlow, widely known Washing- fon newspaper correspondent, is oppos- ing Updike on the Democratic ticket &nd has the active support of all three Indianapolls newspapers. i The negroes in Indianapolis, who uster about 50,000 votes, apparently pre headed for -Smith, but Coffin has in the past been able to exercise a culiar power over them. The hances are that while Hoover. ulti- nately will get better than an even break among the colored voters, many il decline to go to the polls. Oratory Everywhere. Both the Democratic and the Re- blican headquarters are swinging into iction in energetic fashion. The Dem- rats are flooding the State with uthern orators while the Republic- s are importing farm leaders in an ffort to stem the agricultural revolt. he Democrats are using the Southern peakers in Democratic_counties in an ort to bring back Democrats who ave been wandering away on the wet nd dry and religious questions. It is practicaly certain that Gov. mith will be brought into the State or a last-minute appeal the week be: ore the election. He probably me to Indianapolis, and his visit will e the occasion for a big State rally. he Republicans virtually have aban- orthern Indiana rally. HAROLD C. FEIGHTNER. REGON GRAIN MEN LAUD SMITH SPEECH emocrats Seek to Win State by Rolling Up Majority in Port- land Area. ipecial Dispatch to The Star. PENDLETON, ORE,, September 22— regon's wheat growers are more than avorably impressed with Gov. Smith's ddress on the farm relief situation. fFarmers throughout the wheat empire isat at their radios Wednesday night and \listened to what the Democratic candi- idate had to say and, apparently, to a majority of them it was satisfactory. he grain growers have inclined toward #Bmith, but have been in a more or less fundecided condition. ‘The address, however, has been of {great benefit to Smith in the wheat- flands which are usually Republican, ut have been strongly in favor of the FMcNary-Haugen bill. The way the ¢farmers in Eastern Oregon interpret the fspeeches is that Gov. Smith favors the ¥McNary-Haugen idea. If they are mis- #taken, the Republican leaders will have ;to disabuse them. As a consequence of {the Smith speech, the chances of the iDersncrats carrying Eastern Oregon fnave been improved materially. Added fto the wheat growers is a large percent- ‘age of the cattle owners and about ‘one-third of the sheep men. The drift “of the cattle men to Smith is surpris- ‘ing. It is believed that Smith's only chance “to carry Oregon is to roll up a large Zlead in the Portland district, a majority “sufficiently large to overcome the sHoover majority from the upstate. *Portland has the greatest percentage Zof wets, but it also has the largest num- Zber of drys and Portland districts are the battleground in so far as the Demo- eratic nominee is concerned. JOHN W. KELLY. to Fore as Paramount { State Issue. Race. Special Dispatch to The Star. BALTIMORE, September 22.—Prohi- bition stood out more than ever before in the history of this State as the para- mount issue between the Democratic and Republican parties in the develop- ments of the past week. | The Democratic leadership in Mary- land has been anti-prohibition since | 1920, but the Republican party through | its various candidates in State-wide | elections always has evaded meeting this question. Some years the Repub- lican candidates expressed themselves | as wet as O. E. Weller did.in 1926, but more often an evasive attitude was adopted. But with the dry Herbert Hoover leading the ticket this year, Republican leaders of Maryland have become more bold in their leanings toward the dry side of the question. Phillips Lee Golds- borough, Republican senatorial can- didate, adopted Mr. Hoover's expres- sion on prohibition in the latter's speech of acceptance, as his own attitude. During the last week, Republican leaders of western Maryland counties moved to crystallize the dry sentiment of that section behind their ticket. A Republican league has been formed with a slogan of “law enforcement” and similar groups will be established in other parts of the State. The aim of this movement is reported to be to establish firmly the Republican party as the dry party of Maryland. Those who established the organization in western Maryland asserted that it was not a temporary thing but would be kept alive after the presidential elec- tion for further campaigns. Political observers are speculating on Representative Hill Faces| | Task in Congressional |: WESTERN MARYLAND G. O. P. SEEKS TO WELD DRY SUPPORT| Prohibition Rapidly Coming|: : __JOHN PHILIP HILL._ the wisdom of such a movement in this State. It may be a bold firoke that will be the means of restoring vitality to the Republican party, some believe. Others doubt that the aim of becoming Maryland's dry party will long be held by Republicans. How long John Philip Hill, candidate for Congress from the third congres- sional district and already carrying the burden of dry presidential and sena- torial candidates as his running mates, will be able to hold out is problematical. As the trend is now running, unless he repudiates the remainder of his tickei, his prospects of returning to the House are rapidly diminishing for his district is dripping wet. That illustrates the po- sition of one Republican. Yet as illogical as this new aim of the Republicans of Maryland may seem, it may serve its purpose in the present campaign. The Democrats have not a tight hold on the State in November's election. Despite his wet proclivities, Senator Bruce is fighting uphill for re- election. Gov. Smith is battling against what seems to be intrenched religious prejudice. FRANKLYN WALTMAN, JR. ALABAMA PLACED IN DOUBTFUL LIST Preachers Take Stump to Flay Smith—Religion Is Real State Issue. Special Dispatch to The Star. MONTGOMERY, Ala., September 22. —With 45 days intervening before the November election, Alabama may right- fully and justly be considered a very doubtful State. Democrats have been engaged in a strenuous speaking campaign in Ala- bama for 16 days. Democratic speak- ers have spoken to large crowds in the cities and towns of the State. Demo- cratic enthusiasm has been manifest at all of these speaking engagements. No Alabama leader of any Statewide note has bolted the ticket. Two United States Senators, Black and Heflin, have not said how they stood. ‘While the Democrats have been cam- paigning, the Republicans, through their Alabama allies, the Klan, have been campaigning also. _Speech after speech is being made. Preachers are in the main the stump orators of the Republicans. On the Democratic side are arrayed all the old-time Democrats, former governors, former Senators, Rep- esentatives in the main, and State of- fice holders, with the exception of Gov. Bibb Graves, who is known as the Klan Governor of Alabama. The writer has atempted to make an analysis of the situation, and from his information has reached the con- clusion that if the election were held tomorrow Alabama would go Republic- an. The State would not go Republic- an by the same majority it would have gone early in August before the Demo- crats became organized. At that time, it is the writer’s belief that 50,000 would have been a conservative estimate of the Republican majority in Alabama. So far as can be ascertained 45 days before election, there is but. one con- gressional district in Alabama abso- lutely safe for Democracy. That dis- trict is the eighth, where Muscle Shoals si situated. Gov. Smith’s declaration of policy relative to the water-power resources of the Nation has swung the District—the Tennessee Valley—to the Democratic column. In Birmingham, the ninth congres- sional district, where the veteran George Huddleston is Representative, the situation appears to be clearing 50 far as Democracy is concerned. ~Mr. Huddleston has always been able to garner the labor vote of that heavily industrial section, and he has come out flat footedly for the ticket and the ninth district appears to be safe. How- ever, the majority of the ninth district will not be in proportion to the eighth district, even with the powerful aid of Mr. Huddleston. The first congressional district, where Representative McDuffic is making a fight for Democracy, is expected to fall into line in November with a majority for the Democratic ticket, but not a heavy majority. Mobile, the heaviest voting county in the district, will poll a large majority for Smith and Robin- son, but there are other counties in the district where the outcome at present is doubtful. ‘The third congressional district is honeycombed with the anti-Catholic spirit and Ku Klux propoganda. In the second district, Montgomery Coun- ty will cast a majority for the Demo- cratic ticket, but there are other coun- ties in the district in doubt as to the outcome. Representative Lister is speaking energetically for Smith. The campaign in Alabama is really not a campaign between Smith and Hoover. It has developed into a cam- paign of for Smith and against Smith. The issue in Alabama is Catholicism, and statistics show that less than 5 per cent of the population of Alabama are numbered in Catholic Church ranks. The outward issue is prohibition, but no such issue has ever been raised TENNESEE SEEK SHITHS PRESECE Observers Feel Call Means Doubtful Trend in State. Special Dispatch to The Star. MEMPHIS, Tenn. September 22.— While the Democratic organization in Tennessee is allowing no Republican claims nor expressing any fear of the result, yet the hurry-up call for Gov. Smith himself to include Tennessee in his itinerary is taken by political ob- servers to mean that the Tennessee vote is considered doubtful. The appeal for the nominee to come has grown to be almost a demand, especially since the appearance of Herbert Hoover in the State October 6 is arousing enthusiasm. The organization of Hoover-Curtis clubs in Tennessee is going forward with a boldness that was unexpected a month ago. In former campaigns the Republicans depended largely on a quiet mustering of voters. Now they are going about their work pretty much as the Democrats are. Some impetus has been given the Hoover movement by the elimination of Bob Church, colored, of Memphis, from a commanding voice in the organization in Tennessee. This stroke has disarmed to a large extent that part of the Dem- ocratic strength which might be swayed by extreme color prejudice. On the other hand, the close alliance of Church and the Republican administration in matters of patronage has not been dis- turbed, and this still exerts an influ- ence in Democratic West Tennessee, nlhere most of the Tennessee negroes ive. Both organizations are laying plans for an intensive campaign in Tennes- see. Senator George of Georgia is com- ing and Senator Borah of Idaho spoke in Nashville tonight. Democratic lead- ers are unanimous in their decision that Gov. Smith must come. P Democratic discontent in Tennessee, if any, is confined to the rank and file and not to the leaders. Among the leaders there has not been a discordant note. Efforts to create the impression that some of the leaders are inactive have brought vigorous statements sup- porting Gov. Smith and the Democratic ticket. Notable among these were the statements this week by Gov. Horton, nominee for re-clection, and Col. Luke Lea, Nashville publisher. Their state- ments strengthened the Democratic cause throughout the State. ‘THOMAS FAUNTLEROY. DEMOCRATS RETAIN CONFIDENCE N IDAHO Both Parties Open Headquarters and Map Out Stumpers’ Ttineraries. Special Dispatch to The Star. BOISE, Idaho, September 22.—The political campaign in Idaho is to wax warm, State headquarters for the Republican and Democratic parties having been opened in Boise, itineraries of candidates being made out and speakers being put out on the stump. There is every indication that the two major parties are going to wage an interesting campaign in the hope of elfle,ctlnz their respective candidates to office. A cross section survey of the political situation in Idaho as it exists at the present time leaves the impression that the Republican party is confident of an overwhelming victory in November, electing their ticket from top to bottom, though the Democrats are hopeful. Generally speaklll_}g. the State is con- ceded to Herbert Hoover. Republicans believe he will sweep everything before him, The possibility of a landslide to Gov. Al Smith—a national landslide— nationally, so far as Alabama is con- cerned. ATTICUS MULLIN. Special Dispatch to The Star. HELENA, Mont., September 22— Senator Curtls, now a chief of the Crows, has come and gone, and what- ever harm he has done Democratic as- pirations by swinging the Indian vote of the State to Republicans is irretriev- able. Curtis, swinging about the North- western circle, delivered his principal address today at Hardin, gateway of the Crow reserve, and there found gathered to meet him hundreds of rep- resentatives of every aboriginal tribe in the State. The Flatheads came from the far Bitter Root and the Black- feet from Glacier Park, Sioux from the gives the Democrats hope Idaho might be taken under the Bourbon banner, Crow Tribe Adopts Curtis as Chief Following Address at Reservation historic Cheyenne, and remnants of tribes from forgotten buttes and deso- late prairies in a dozen counties. Cur- tis was adopted into the Crows and made a chief at an elaborate ceremony. ‘They were all duly impressed with the honor done their race—and sent home, as far as the blican poli- ticlans could effect it, hopped up to vote for Hoover and Curtis. The entire matter has been engineered by former Senator Dixon, who seeks Senator Wheeler's Senate seat this time. Gov. Smith will go to Butte Tuesday, and another multitude is expected to gather, but he will not make a formal talk there. L. . THAYER. Summary of National Developments Based on‘Reporu From The Star's Special Correspondents and Staff Writers. INCE the presidential candi- dates of the two major par- ties have started their per- sonal campaigns—Hoover in the East and Smith in the Midwest—and party managers have settled down in dead it to round up votes, indications be- ginning to pile up which show how some Stgtes are leaning in this un- usual nftional campaign. Corre- spondents of The Star in every State in the Union and its staff writers are keeping close tab on every turn in political sentiment. They are reporting what they see happening around them and pre- senting the views of the most expe- rienced and unbiased political ob- servers in each State. An analysis of their latest dis- patches shows that it is too early 10 attempt an accurate general fore- cast of the result. There is still too much confusion in certaln locall~ ties. There is also plenty of time for important changes in sentiment to take place, especially with Smith and Hoover appealing in person to the voters and the voters themselves becoming more “politically con- sclous” as the day of the election draws closer. * K k% Democratic observers — vigorous supporters of Smith—do not hesitate to say, however, that in order to win Smith must carry not only the “solid South,” but practically all of the so-called doubtful States in the Northeast, Central East and the Midwest. It is considered possible for him to do this, else these States would not be classed as doubtful. All of them and the South would give him a slight margin above the 266 electoral votes necessary to win. Most of the doubtful States north of the Mason and Dixon line are normally Republican. They have been found in the G. O. P. column many more times than in the Dem- ocratic column since the Civil War. However, Democratic leaders point out, a victory by a small majority, such as Woodrow Wilson got in 1916, is none the less a victory. By the same method of simple mathematical calculation, observers point out that Hoover could lose many of the most doubtful States and yet win a majority of votes in the electoral college. * ok ok ok It is almost an axiom among ex- perienced political observers and writers that the size of crowds and the enthusiasm which greet presi- dential candidates on campaign tours seldom are evidences of how a majority of the votes will be cast. ‘This applies equally to both sides in this campaign, as it has in others that have preceded it, according to the best information, obtainable. Straw votes are becoming more numerous. Some are apparently taken with a sincere desire to dis- cover the drift of sentiment. Most of them thus far show Hoover lead- ing Smith, but they also show-a re- markable turnover of former Re- publicans to Smith—larger in some States than the turnover of former Democrats to Hoover. It is difficult, if not impossibe, to draw any con- clusions from these polls at present. National managers of both par- ties are hoping for a landslide in their direction, which would upset all statistics of careful observers. While anything seems possible in this unprecedented campaign, there are, so far, no reports indicating that a landslide either way is start- ing. With election day more than six weeks off, however, and the hot- test campaigning yet to come, it is not too late even for that to hap- pen, according to The Star's corre- spondents. * K ok K In New England the most doubt- ful States appear to be Massachu- setts and its little neighbor, Rhode Island. The former has just held its nominating primary and the popular Senator David I. Walsh has been renominated by the Democrats to oppose Benjamin Loring Young, Republican and former Speaker of the State House of Representatives, Although this State has gone Demo- cratic only once since the Civil War, and that in 1912 when Roosevelt and Taft split the Republican vote everywhere, it is causing the Repub- licans tremendous perturbation this year, while the Democrats are con- fidently claiming it for Smith. The situation is similar in Rhode Island and to some extent in Con- necticut, where, however, the Re- publican machine is more strongly Intrenched. Maine and Vermont are conceded to the Republicans. New Hampshire is uncertain, but the Re- publicans are still reported to have & slight advantage there. The real fight for New York's big block of 45 electoral votes will come in October toward the end of the campaign. Smith will be back in his home State then to conduct his campaign there in person. Hoover is scheduled to sj in New York City before he goes to California to vote. Both presidential candidates have spoken and received big ova- tions in New Jersey, which is kept in the doubtful column, with per- G. 0. P. CLUB HERE OPENS CAMPAIGN gins Drive for 10,000 Members. ‘The drive planned by the member- ship committee of the Hoover and Curtis Club of the Republican com- mittee for the District to bring the roster of the club up to 10,000 is tak- ing definite shape, it was announced yesterday following & committee meet- ing Friday. Chairman Samuel McComas Hawken announced at the meeting that he would furnish each team captain with & list of 5000 names of Republicans as a prospect list for club members. Weekly reports are to be made to the chairman. Mr. Hawken also announced the ap- pointment of a lawyers' division of the committee to co-operate in the drive, as follows: Leo A. Rover, chairma Bertrant Emerson, jr, George E. Mc- Neil, N. C. Turnage, R. F. C 'y Maurice D. Rosenberg, Willlam M. Lewin, Stanton C. Peelle, Ralph P. Barnard, Paul E. Lesh, Godfrey L. Munter, Allen m, J. Wi Latimer, Edward Stafford, Alvin L. Newmyer, Richard E. Wellford, Austin F. Canfleld, Alexander H. Bell, Robert E. Lynch, Nathan Canton, Gus Schuldt and Charles 8. Bundy. < ‘The membership committee also has rovided for the formation of a woman wyers' division and Mrs. Burnita Matthews Shelton has been designated to complete this organization. Mrs. Virgainia White Speel, Republic- an national committee woman for the District, was authorized to enlarge the woman's membership committes, ef which she is chariman. | = g | Hoover-Curtis Organiszation Be-|Five - Time yond flmt|mm haps a slight leaning toward Hoover according to the latest reports. * ok x Democratic Chairman Rcskob con- tinues to claim Pennsylvania, but nearly all of the political observers think this old-line Republican State will “stay t.” Many observers class the little State of Delaware as still doubtful. On the eve of opening the cam- ml.n in Ohlo the Democrats real- they have an uphill fight there. Most observers in Indlana and Illi- nois report Republican leanings on the national ticket. The last- minute fight in Indlana is to be bitter,, possibly with Smith coming there for a speech. Apparently 50,000 colored voters in Indianap- olis are headed for Smith, but the rural districts and small towns are miostly for Hoover. In Illinois con- ditions are similar. ‘The border States of Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ten- nessee, Missouri and Oklahoma are fighting ground, as ever, with the Republicans haying a slight advan- tage in Kentacky, West Virg! and Oklahoma and the Democrat ahead in Missouri. Maryland and Tennessee are re- ported to be genuinely doubtful ground, with prohibition the chief issue, * ok kK For the Freunt interest centers mainly in the Midwest because of Smith's invasion of that section. Nebraska and North Dakota are re- ported to be close, owing to Repub- lican factional troubles and an in- creasing Smith sentiment, which must go far, however, to overcome usual Republican majorities. Demo- crats are greatly encouraged in these VA thrcugh rough the corn and wheat belts Smith’s_indorsement in prin- ciple of the McNary-Haugen bill is Teported to have put the Republic- ans on the defensive, but they are still declared to have the best of the outlook at present in Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and espe- clally in Michigan. Wisconsin is admitted by both sides to be very tincy alstncd oy desertions. S e lons 11 their ks in M!l’nnuotl. i Regular Democratic leaders real- ize the seriousness of the situation in Virginia, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama and Texas, and some ob- servers even class these States as doubtful on account of the anti- Smith movement among the Demo- crats on the liquor and religious lssues. The weight of opinion, how- ever, seems to be at this writing that the “solid” South will remain solidly Democratic this year. But the Virginia regular Democrats, for instance, are so alarmed that they have laid plans to spend $250,000 for campaign purposes. LKk kK Hoover Democrats are active Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas ll::l‘ to a less extent in South Carolina, but latest reports indicate that most of the anti-Smith Democrats in these States will remain away from the polls rather than vote for Hoover, so that the result will not be affected so far as the electoral votes are concerned. The Demo- cratic factional fight in Mississippi is getting extremely bitter. The Rocky Mountain States are stirred up over Smith's visit there. Montana and Colorado continue to be called doubtful. The Anti-Saloon League is engaged in a major offen- sive against Smith in the latter. Idaho continues to lean toward Hoover, as do Nevada, Utah and ‘Wyoming. Arizona is called highly debatable and likely to drop into ere. N:‘w mlfgr:a similar, =adn n e Pacific Coast States, Washington, Oregon and California, be an uphill fight for the Smith is conceded to ting chance” in Wash- ington and Oregon, where the wet sentiment in some sections is strong. His Omaha speech seems to have met with considerable approval among the farmers of eastern Ore- gon, and there is reported to be & surprising swing of cattlemen to- i "Wishin n gton, however, the Hoover-Curtis ticket is apparently out in front, while to win Oregon it 1s figured that the Smith-Robinson ticket must get the vote of one out of every three Republicans and at the same time hold the Democratic strength 100 per cent. Smith is represented as making big diiroads in the Republican ranks in Oregon, but the Republicans are :::::«ll::l on t:;le anti-Smith senti- ong the hhln ';.{"e' '3 women to defeat n Hoover's home State of Cali- fornia correspondents report that the Republican ticket has the ad- vantage. Republican registration is expected to be in excess of 1,500,000, based upon the figures up to date, h t pproximately 500,000, h’s main chance the’ra mogxnx to be to capture the block of nearly 400,00 votes received by La Follette in 1924, which Temote one. % repusied, toiibel @ (Covyright. 1928.) HARRISON DECLARES ~SUPPORT OF SMITH Mayor of Chicago Emerges After 13 Years of Retirement. Special Dispatch to The Star. CHICAGO, 11l September 22.—Dem- ocratic hopes for victory in November were raised this week when it was an- nounced that Carter H. Harrison, five times mayor of Chicago, has stepped again into the political life of the State after 13 years of retirement to head the “Al Smith for President Club of Tllinois.” During the five terms that Harrison served as mayor of Chicago his name was one to conjure with in the State. He was the political dictator of his party, respected by his following and seemingly invincible at election times. His popularity was not confined to the city over which he ruled, but extended be those city limits into the counties throughout the State. Shortly after the Harrison decision was made public the Democratic leaders known their plans for the cam- paign they will wi in behalf of Smith and the national ticket. Smith himself is to be among the headliners who will address voters in Chicago, others Senator James A. Reed of Missouri an Gov. Albert C. Ritchle of Maryland. More than a hundred monster mass meetings are planned to be held in a smashing drive for votes. ‘The first of these will be held October 1 and from then on until the night be- fore the election from three to four ‘meetings will be held nightly and one or two du theaters. E. C. NORLANDER. the noon hours in Loop* Leaders Now See Hope for Carrying State in November. Nominee’s Criticism of Owen Fails to Win Ap- proval. Special Dispatch to The Star. OKLAHOMA CITY Okla., September 22—Al Smith has “done and gone.” In his is a varied opinon as to whether his speech on bigots and intolerants | was a knockout or a washout. Democtratic leaders of the State, such as Gov. Henry Johnston Scott Ferris, national committeman; George Key, State chairman, say Smith's Tearless ‘handling of the main whisper of the campaign means the beginning of the end to Republican hopes in Oklahoma for November. Republican leaders are a unit in as- serting that the diatribe delivered at the Coliseum Thursday night was be- neath the dignity of a candidate for the presidency, changed not a single vote and gave every Protestant pulpit pounder an invitation to get out in the open and pummel the favorite son of Tammany from now until November 6. Probably the best conclusion of an observer who tries to be fair is that the Smith rally was a real stimulant to the Democratic State organization. The country managers and precinct com- mitteemen from the 77 counties were in for the day. Group which was down- hearted and apathetic three weeks ago went back to their precincts full of fight and with a vim to win. Reflection of public sentiment is that Smith's address made no hit with busi- ness men, thinkers and analysts, but that it did get attention from the tenant farmers, the voters out in the woods, who come out only when a son of the proletariat sticks his head above the cover line. Such an appeal as that of Al's was typical of the campaign which brought 100,000 tenant farmers, mostly radicals, out of their shells to vote for J. C. Walton and elect him governor four years ago. ‘The main issue in Oklahoma is pro- hibition. Smith failed to so much as suggest that the word prohibition ever has before been mentioned in the cam- paign. The folks here take this fail- ure to discuss whisky as an admission that he was afraid to consider the ques- tion openly here. ‘The day before the Smith meeting Senator Elmer . Thomas, Oklahoma's DEMOGRATSSEE VRGIA FUNCS Out to Raise $250,000. Survey Reveals Hoover Gaining in Favor. Special Dispatch to The Star. RICHMOND, Va, September 22— Realizing the seriousness of the politi- cal situation in Virginia, the State Dem- ocratic committee this week formulated plans- by which it expects to raise $250,000 for campaign purposes in this State. The State committee has been informed by the national committee that no funds will be sent to this State from national headquarters and that the Democrats of Virginia are expected to row their own boat in the matter of campaign finances. So great was the enthusiasm shown by Virginians when Senator Robinson spoke in Richmond that & headquarters man is reported to have informed the national committee chiefs that Virginia was too safe to waste any money on. The State committee knows that al though Virginia will probably go Demo- cratic it Is not safe by any means, and consequently it has started out to raise the needed money. There are approxi- mately 2,300 precincts in Virginia and the State committee estimates that at least $100 could be used legitimately at each precinct. In addition, & goodly sum of money s needed for the expenses at State campalgn_headquarters. Fredericksburg Democrats have al- ready supplied their city committee with necessary campaign funds and have an- nounced that they will not call on either the national or State committees for any money to supplement what they have raised. 3 This correspondent . has spent most of this week touring Virginia in an ef- fort to get at the inside of the political situation here. Parts of the fourth, third, first and eighth districts ve been surveyed. In every county and city there appears to be strong oppo- sition to Smith. In most instances this opposition is not organized, or not openly so, but it has much voting strength. So far there is nothing to in- dicate that any oity or county surveyed will go for Hoover, save the county of Stafford, which is normally Republican in - presidential years, but. in every county and in every city visited there will be & heavy Republican vote, where- as in past years, with the exception of a few counties, the Republican vote in Eastern Virginia has been negligible. R. . \RRET. G. 0. P. BUSY IN NEVADA. Both Parties’ Activity Fails to Show on Surfa Special Dispatch to The Star. RENO, Nev., September 22.—There is much political activity in Nevada but to the outsider the situation appears apathetic. The ublicans are doing much work, but the effects of it are known only by those who are directing the campal and they insist that Hoover is gaining strength every day. On the Democratic side there is more than the ordinary apathy and with the exception of a handful of workers, there is no evidence the party is in existence here. There have been a number of defections from one side to the other but mostly from the Democratic to the Republican side. EDGAR REINHART. EX:SENATOR OWEN. Jjunior Senator, was quoted in the news- papers as saying that he hoped Smith ‘would not mention the prohibition issue, as_any reference would cost him votes. In all probability Smith's advisers have deferred his discussion of pro- hibition to a later date and have chosen the point at which the speech will be delivered with care, but Okla- homa critics are not to be satisfied with the explanations of the board of strategy that there is better tactics and better publicity in hitting one head at a time. Smith picked out Robert L. Owen, former Senator, as a peg on which to hang his talk on intolerance. Although Oklahoma will not soon forgive Owen's apostasy, the old Cherokee Senator is the greatest statesman Oklahoma ever sent to Washington, served Oklahoma longer than any other man and has thousands of friends here who believe him_ honest in his convictions and as fearless as Smith. These resent the New York executive’s impugning of the motives of the bolter and say that he hurt his plea by calling Owen a liar by’ inference.. Following the whale comes Dr. John Roach Straton, New York minister. Straton spoke in the Coliseum where Smith stood Thursday night and read Smith's record in the New York As- sembly as an Assembly man, as speak- er and as governor. Tonight Straton devoted himself entirely to the re- ligious angle of the Smith campaign. There is no justification for any change in previous forecasts that Okla- homa will go for Hoover. WALTER M. HARRISON. NEBRASKANSFRED BY SHITH SPEEH Democrats Hold He Has Aid- ed Cause in State by Farm Stand. Special Dispatch to The Star. OMAHA, Nebr., September 22.—Gov. Smith, who let the people of Nebraska see him for the first time this week, un- doubtedly aroused the fighting spirit of the Democrats by his presence. Leaders he has aided his cause. He has con- vinced many who were doubtful that he will help put over a law for farm re- lief. They have arrived at the conclu- sion that should this prove to be a Mc- Nlr{;shuun bill, he would sign it if elected. Ten leading Republicans propounded questions on prohibition in a newspaper advertisement the morning of his ar- rival and he answered them at the con- clusion of his set speech. “I don’t belleve in letting a matter like this hang fire,” the governor told & local Democrat. “I believe in nailing it while it is hot.” This attitude has fired imagination of the party fol- lowers. Republicans point to the enthusiam in the Bryan campaigns and call this history repeating itself, but there is one element of difference, Democrats say. They feel Smith is also for the com- ‘mon man and has behind him a record for success in a position where mere idealism could not be effective. A decision of the State convention of German-American societies to support Smith, which will affect between 50 and 60 thousanihvoles. also has encouraged Democrats this week, Republicans believe, however, Smith's views on prohition, coupled with the religious issus, will prevent a general swing to S on the farm question and make the State close. GEOR/SE F. FISHER. DEFECTIONS HIT BOTH PARTIES IN MINNESOTA Former Democratic Governor De- clares Opposition to Tammany. Special Dispatch to The Star. MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Sept 22.—As the national cunmr‘:’ erx:‘ob;; more intense in Minnesota there are ;z;l;:m;‘cgmiln(-nufi" parties”. of men nt in politics desert party lines. s John Lind, former Democratic gov- ernor, is one of the latest. “I shall not vote for Tammany,” he declared in a newspaper statement, also remarking that Tammany has been a “millstone on the neck of the Democratic party as long as I can remember.” He did not come out, for Herbert Hoover, however. J. Adam Bede of Duluth, former Re- publican Representative, has declared for Smith ::1 the pmi;ilhltlon issue. ocrats are making strong claims in the State, but are warning each other- of “overconfidence,” & new note for Democracy in Minnesota. Repub- licans concede that they have a hard fight and aparently have convinced the national committee of the fact. Sena- tor Borah is scheduled to speak in Min- neapolis October 1, and the Hoover- Curtis bus, which has been touring Iowa and South Dakota, is to come into Min- nesota this week for an extended tour. CHARLES B. CHENEY. Simmons Gives North Carolinians First Taste of Front Porch Campaign Special Dispatch to The Star. RALEIGH, N. C, September 22— North Carolina has read of “front porch” campalgns, but not until this ear has it had the opportunity of see- g one in operation, However, Senator Simmons, who after resigning from the Democratic national committee at the age of 74 has drifted farther and farther from the which has flye times elected him to the United States Senate and which he dominated in the State for 30 years, has adopted that method of impressing ;u; um“ upon the electorate of the Numerous informal scenes of advice giving have occurred on Senator Sim- mons’ po&h at New Bern and recently a delegation of first voters from Wil- mington paid a formal call there. In the meantime Democratic speak- ers continue to have a monopoly on the stump, but Republicans have begun a body | systematic use of the radio by woman speakers and Democratic, Republican and anti-Smith headquarters are flood- ing the State with vast quantities of literature. R. E. WILLIAMS. here were outspoken in the belief that | s; that | fl KEYSTONE G. 0.P. CENTERS EFFORTS Will Concentrate on Organi- zation in Fourieen Counties. Special Dispatch to The Star. HARRISBURG. Pa., September 22— While Democratic leaders continue to claim Pennsylvania for Smith by 150,000 majority, the leaders of the Republican organization, following a survey of the State, are convinced 53 of the 67 coun- ties are safely in the Hoover column. ‘The Republican campaign during the | six weeks remaining before election wiil be concentrated in the 14 countic which organization leaders class o doubtful at this time. These counties include a few which | are normally Democratic by a fair mar- gin. The others, however, include some of the most populous and wettest coun- ties of the State, the industrial and mining centers. The most forceful po- litical orators will be sent into those counties during October. Radio to Be Used. Radio will play an important part in the closing weeks of the campaign. The Republicans started campaign broad- casting within the State on Thursday and expect to continue until the very eve of election. . L. Mellon, former Republican State chairman and nephew of the Sec- retary of the Treasury, will return from Europe within a few days. As soon as his_business Pn‘?nngvments will permit, he is expected to meet with Gov. Fisher, Joseph R. Grundy, president of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Associa- tion, and Gen. Edward Martin, Repub- lican State chairman, in a conference which will determine the final strategy of the campaign. The budget total for the campaign within the State will doubtless be fixed at this meeting. Col- lections for the fund started this week. the initial move being a letter asking contributions from State employes. It is probable that the members of the Mellon conference will advise Her- bert, Hoover not to accept an invitation to speak extended by the Philadelphia organization. The organization leaders feel Hoover’s presence will not be need- ed in Pennsylvania. Should Hoover speak here, after Smith speeches in Pennsylvania were announced, some of the workers feel that the claims that Pennsylvania is doubtful this year would be considered as more plausible because of Hoover's presence. Return to Parties. The tide of party changing, which appeared to be rising rapidly during the earlier stages of the campaign, seems to be ebbing now. Registration of voters, completed in rural districts but continuing in cites until October 6, seems to indicate voters are returning to their parties, while many new voters, principally women, are qualifying. In some districts enrollments have doubled or trebled, the greatest increase beihg among women, The trend to party regularity is counted upon by Republican leaders to help them in the bigger cities. They report that in the Pittsburgh district, where Smith sentiment was running high a month and six weeks ago, danger to the Republican ticket is past. In Philadelphia, where they never con- ceded there was basis for Democratic hopes of success, they are of the opin- jon Hoover will get a very large ma- Jjority. In the rural counties the obli- ation of party re¥ullrity has never geen accepted as fully as in the cities, and there the Republicans rely largely upon the depth of feeling on the pro- hibition and religious questions to roll up unprecedented majorities against mith. ‘WALTER D. ROOS. o SMITH FOES MAKE GAINS IN GEORGIA Loyal Democrats Face Real Test to Hold State for Party. Special Dispatch to The Star. ATLANTA, Ga., September 22— Formation of the Anti-Smith Demo- cratic party of Georgia at a conven- tion held in Macon during the past week seems to have convinced leaders loyal to the party nominee that they have a fight on their hands if they are to expect to carry the State for Al Smith by what they would consider a respectable majority. As a result. they have redoubled their efforts to organize Smith clubs in every town and hamlet, have marshaled every available speaker and will turn loose 2 lood of oratory from Rabun Gap to Tybee Light. ‘The Macon convention of “Anti- Smith Democrats” was not without im- portance. Despite almost impassible roads in many parts of the State, there were 400 delegates representing 69 counties present. More than 1,000 per- sons attended the anti-Smith rally that followed the convention. Another rally of the “Hoover Demo- crats” was held in Atlanta Friday night when former Senator Owen of Okla- homa addressed an enthusiastic crowd that more than filled the lower floor of the huge Ctiy Auditorium. To offset all this. loyal Democrats have had only a brief back-platform speech by Senator Robinson, nominee for the vice presidency. P. W. HAMMOND. RELIGION IS MAJOR ISSUE IN ARKANSAS But Loyal Democrats Rally to Ticket and Feel Certain of Victory. Special Dispatch to The Star. LITTLE ROCK, Ark., September 22— As the rival political factions in the South prepare to come to grips for the final struggle of the national campaign, sham has been cast aside and the grin- ning issue of the campaign is exposed. There is but one issue in Arkansas and that issue is religion. This issue, so long concealed, has been dragged out. into the open and everywhera conceded and the battle will be fought along these lines if it takes all Autumn. Smith's “wetness” has been used heretofore as a cloak by the opposition. That cloak now has been cast aside and the Pope of Rome is the issue. It is a conflict between schools of religious thought that dates back to the Refor- mation. Headed by Senator Robinson, Demo- cractic ballyhoo specialists all through the South are trying to convert the bolters to a sane attitude. Aided unoffi- clally by the Ku Klux Klan and prob- ably still more unofficially by Repub- lican leaders, the anti-Smith faction is waging a desperate fight. It is a hope- less minority fight, because the news- mrm are loyal to the ticket and the ters, unorganized and lacking pub- licity, are not able to reach the masses with their appeal. It is entirely a family fight among Protestant Democrats. Republican leaders are afraid to take advantage openly of their opportunity and the few Catholics in the South find it very much to their advantage to keep out of the turmoll. cfinuum'.