New-York tribune., 1919-04-14
Nationwide Drive TO Be
Started Soon Through
Organization of League
of Democratic Clubs
Led by State Committee
Chairman Farley Stresses
Necessity of Enlisting
Aid of Women Voters
STAFF Correspondence


AIRANY Anril ia nationwide
drive to capture the Democratic nom
ination for President in 1920 for Gov
ernor Smith will be started within
the next few days through the forma-
tion of organizations to be known Us
the League of Democratic Clubs.
These clubs are to be formed under
the auspices of the Democratic State
Committee, recently reorganzed so as
20 insure its control by Governor
Smith. William W. Farley, former
state excise commissioner, who was
chosen state chairman at the request
of the Governor, will have nominal
charge of the formation of the league.
Abraham I. Elkus, personal adviser of
Governor Smith, is to be the real head
of the proposed organization. The
Governors private secretary, George
Van Nance, of Watertown, is to as
sst in his capacity as secretary of the
Democratic State Committee.
The Governors hackers say no at
tack on President Wilson is contem-
plated. They believe the President
will not be a candidate to succeed him
self, and that should he elect to try
again the third term tradition would
stand IN his way.
Has Eyes on White House
Governor Smith has had his eyes on
the White House since election night
References to the ambition which
stirred the breast Of many of his pre-
decessors cause the lips of the Gov
ernor to wrinkle into satisfied
smile.
The programme of those behind the
Smith Presidential boom provides for
number of speaking engagements for
the Governor in the large cities
throughout the country. The plans of
the league, made public tonight by
reveal that the league is to be made
nationwide, but such is the plan, it is
known.
AS soon as twenty-five or more
voters in sympathy with the purposes
of the league form a club and elect
officers they shall be entitled to elect
one member TO represent them at all
meetings of the league. The headquar-
ters of the league are to be here in
the home of the Democratic State
Committee. When fifty clubs shall
ing of the league, at which a consti-
tuition and bylaws shall be adopted
and officers elected. Any existing
Democratic organization with mem
bership of twenty-five or more shall be
entitled to representation in the
league.
AS Farley Explains League
In explaining-for public consump-
tion-the objects of the league, State
G. irman Farley said to-night:
purpose of the league is to
clubs composed of citizens inter
e,'cd IN supporting the administra-
irons OF President Woodrow Wilson
nd Governor Alfred E. Smith; to as
sist in spreading the knowledge of
Democratic principles and to prose
cute vigorous educational campaign
On state and national matters of polit-
zeal interest. These clubs will be ex-
pected to strengthen and build up the
Democratic party and render such as
sistance as they may to the Demo
cratic organization in each election
district
We intend, if possible, to institute
In connection with such clubs a speak
ers' bureau and arrange for regular
meetings to be held at the different
clubs, addressed by men and women
thoroughly competent to discuss state
and national questions. We hope also
10 provide club paper with articles
by prominent Democratic men and
women Of special interest and signif-
cance to club members at this particu-
lar time.
We also expect, through the league,
oaters on Democratic principles, cap
aole Of sustaining any public discussion
o. the progressive policies Of President
wilson and Governor Smith.
The need for organizing such