New-York tribune., 1919-10-19
Asks Publisher to Meet
Him in Debate and to
Submit to Questions ON
Public and Private Life
Wouldn't Pay Price
OF His Support
Editor ''Most Dangerous
Man in America Wom-
an i'm Audience Declares

After remaining silent for nearly six
months under the constant attacks of
William Randolph Hearst and his
newspapers, Governor Smith yesterday
turned on the editor-politician at re-
ception and luncheon Of the Women's
Democratic League of the State of
New York at the Hotel Astor. The
Governor challenged Mr.. Hearst to
meet him in public debate, each agree
ing to answer all questions touching
on their public and private lives.
Every counter-biow aimed at Hearst
by the Governor was cheered by his
audience of 1000 women. Every men
ton Of Hearst's name and that of his
papers was hissed
When the Governor reminded his
hearers that "a year ago at this time
the Hearst papers were being burned
IN public squares because the people
mad in their minds that Hearst was
not loyal to this country in its hour
Of need" the women rose and fairly
yelled.
And we'll burn them again!" some
body shouted.
Most Dangerous Man in America"
As the Governor finished worr
picture of Hearst as the advocate of
the Bolsheviki, Miss Isabel A. Ennis,
president Of the Brooklyn Women
Teachers Association, who sat at
table adjoining the dais, cried out:
Hearst is the most dangerous man
IN America."
you're right" and similar cries of
approval came from all parts of the
hall.
Hearst" said the Governor, "has
been loyal to nobody; not even to his
cwa"
This shot brought the audience to
lis feet shouting approval, as did the
Governors challenge to Hearst to
ncet him III public debate.
"The Women's Democratic League Of
he state OF New York will hire Madi-
aon Square Garden for any day or
a-sht convenient to Mr.. Hearst # he
gil accept the challenge" said Mrs.
Ohm Sherwin Crosby, president of the
que. after the Governor sat down.
'.smd the tickets OF admission will be
3portioned evenly between the two
hatera"
she Governors challenge to Mr..
&rst came after he had finished his
speech. The women were still ap-
4uGng him when he rose and waved
IS hand to stay them.
The Governors Challenge
When he obtained silence he said:
There IS just one other thing want to
say. am not unmindful of the fact
that my frank and open and honest
ak to-day to you is bound to sub
lect NE to further burning criticism.
ait until ! tell you, so that there
viii be no misunderstanding about it.
say now that at any time before
election or at any time after election,
stand ready to meet Mr.. Hearst in
any part of this city or state, if he is
wiling 10 meet me. Ny friends will
hire the hail, ne will get half the
tickets, he will get the assurance Of
an absolutely fair, square deal.
81 have been in public life now for
nearly twcpty years, elected public
life. He can get up on the Platform
and ne can ask me any question. he
likes about my public or my private
life. ii he will let me do the same"
The Governor declared that Hearst's
attacks on him followed his appoint
;1ent Of Robert l.. Luce to the Supreme
Court 10 succeed Clarence J. Shearn
former chief counsel to Hearst, who
resigned. Political agents Of Hears'
man TO the place, and the Governor
refused
Refused to Pay the Price
The attacks by the Hearst papers
could never have been made on me,
aid the Governor, "if had shown th'
roper degree OF subseryicncy to th'
~rer Of the paper--a subcervienc!
nat carries public man to the yer.
point Of humiliation"
The Governor paused after this ex
panation, which WAS delivered in
SOW and steady voice, which penetrated
70 the farthest corners Of the room
Then he shouted:
''but reused to pay the price"
Then followed what was more thar
sppiause. 1t was an uproar. Womer
we're On their feet, some standing CT
chairs. All were ciapping their hands
aany we're crying "bravo!" It lagte,
for nearly three minutes, then tn
lover or resumed.
At the table with the Governor wer
nany Of the Tammany candidates, in
siadinE .Justice Luce. and bis running
aaate, Irwin Untermyer, and Mrs.
untermyer, to whom the reception an,
luncheon we're given. Justice Luce il
bachelor.
The MIX cousrovefsy
fhs Governor began his attack o,
Hearst by referring TO the Arst attac
madA upon him By the Hearst paper.
zhieh charged him with being re
sponsible for the high cost Of nil
and for the acts Of the Department 0
Faymz and Markets.
Now, l want 70 get down to a Iittl
subject tn4t think ! ought TO ga
sornething. 10. you about mere to-day,
tAid tho Governor. II didn't pay an
Confined on nsxt page