New-York tribune., 1920-02-07
Wet
Speech Widens
Rift i'm Party
Republicans Will Circulate
Democratic New Jersey
Governors Address as
Campaign & Document
Makes Liquor an Issue
State Committee Lacks Quo
rum; Albany or Syracuse
Get Delegate Conference

Governor Edward |. Edwards. Of Now
Jersey, the so-called "wet hope" of the
Democratic party, whose speech at the
testimonial dinner for Chairman Cum-
mings, of the Democratic National
committee, at the Hotel Commodore on
thursday night was uproariously re
ceived, was more talked about yester-
Gay by local Democrats than either
Secretary Daniels or Chairman Cum
mlngs, whose speeches were designed
to be of the national "koynote" size.
me dinner failed to keep the Governor
or New Jersey out of the spotlight was
'oid IN part IN The Tribune yesterday
ihe Republican National Committee
'hlhks so We'll of the New Jersey Gov
eInor address as campaign docu-
ment that 1t will send extracts from
1T to spots whore it will do the most
goodufor the Republicans. Not onlv
qid Governor Edwards assail William
bryan, who says Governor Edwards
IS disgrace to the party, but he served
notice that he will carry his fight for
a repeal of the Eighteenth Amendment
70 the floor of the San Francisco con-
Vention.
The address of the Governor was nar-
hcularIy distressing to Chairman Cum
'"ihgS' VINO studlously avoided refer
ehce to prohibition in his speech.
IL governor Smith had been able to
keep ms engagement and make an adj
uress 1t is likely that Governor Ed
wards would not have had chance to
speak at all. President Richie, Of the
Naoional .S Democratic Club, which gave
personally invited the Governor 10 at
lend and make few remarks. but not
set speech, as it was planned to lei
secretary l.@ Daniels. Governor smith and
Nll'4lihan Cummings occupy all the
1Hae. Governor Smith 8 illness and
en- orced absence gave Governor I'd
wards ms chance, and he improved it to
me utmost: After paying his respects
70 bryan, IN which he hlnted that the
IA statesman was financially IN
tereSted IN grape Juice, Governor Ed
wards sent chill down the spines of
nose who are praying for harmony at
san n, francisco by declaring;
% me this political situation j.
q pohtlcal sacrllege, and ! purpose to
carry the fight to San Francisco re
EafaieSs OF what any man or set OF
iH'h may personally think. SO as to
the doctrine Of state rights and pop
lar local home rule, upon which our
athers founded this government"
In Tammany Hall this is accepted
as a clean-cut acceptance of Colonel
Bryan's challenge for FIGHT over pro
hlbitlon and the continuance of Chair
man cummings as head of the national
committee.
The Democratic State Committee
lacked quorum yesterday at the Hotel
Knickerbocker, when it was called to
order by Chairman ". W FARLEY and
adjourned without doing any business.
Chairman Farley said he would an
aoint a subcommittee to consider the
question Of q date. and place for the
solding OF the state VIDE conference.
Later he said it was likely the con
ference, for the purpose Of choosing
the four delegates at-large to the San
Francisco convention. would be held
on February u either at Albany or
Syracuse. with the chances favoring
Albany on account Of its convenience.
It is understood, however, that If Syria
cuse Democrats make real effort to
have the conference held there their
Wis hes Will be respected.