New-York tribune., 1922-07-09
Smith a Tool
For Anti-Hearst
Men,Says Walsh
Democratic Boss Insists
Leaders at Syracuse
We're Only Seeking the
Limelighi for Themselves
Meeting Out of Order
Declares Publisher Would
Have Support of the Or
ganizatiOn if Nominated

NJ. J. Walsh, Democratic boss q
Westehester County and intimate
friend and supporter OF Charles F.
Murphy. Of Tammany Hall. declared
last night that the anti Hearst meeting
Of Democratic leaders in Syracuse was
merely an attempt 20 gain the lime
light on the part Of men who would
not be delegates az the state conven-
tion, that they sought 20 capitalize Al
Smiths popularity for their own ends
and had no thought Of nominating him
for Governor. and that II William r.
Hearst was nominated he would have
the support OF the Democratic organi-
cation.
Il did not 20 to Syracuse" said Mr..
Walsh, because I felt that a confer
cnce OF that kind was an encroachmcnt
upon the powers Of the state convcn-
ton which is nov provided for by
law. II looked 20 me that this confer
cnce was being engineered 20 make u
appear there was sentiment against
some one who might have been sug-
gested as n probable candidate for Co..
ernor. and am opposed 10 such tactics
am absolutely opposed 10 any attempt
10 kill of any candidate"
Regarded as Significant
Asked whom he meant when he said
"a probable candidate for Governor,
Mr.. Walsh smiled and replied: 81 guess
you know as we'll as / do"
Mr.. Walsh's statement Is regarded
as significant. He Is an organization
man OF long and faithful standing, and
81 .. Nurrkss "a
His astuteness as a politician may be
gaugcd by the fact that when Presl-
dent Wilson broke with Tammany Hall
Walsh not only retained mis- standing
with that organization but was ap-
pointed postmaster o. Yonkers by
President Wilson.
Although he is not County Chair-
man. Mr.. Walsh IS generally aeknowl-
edged as Democratic boss Of Westehcs-
ter COUNTY. lie is Democratic state
Committeeman for Yonkers and has
held various state Offices. lie mas
served as Deputy Comptroller and as
Tax Commissionef lis statements
are few and far between.
This conference - syracuse, ne
said. was called by four men. No ac-
ton was taken by the state committee
20 call such a meeting. Ny friendship
and admiration for former Governor
smith arc generally known. but Gov.
crnor Smith has said that he Will not
l., A candidate. and IL that be true Il
seems 10 me that some people are at
tempting TO capitalize his popularity 20
achieve results other than his nomina-
tion.
only Seeking the Spotlight
"Of course, such gathering affords
an opportunity for many men who VIII
probably not be elected delegates 20
The state convention 10 get in the spot
light. and this seems 10 be more i'm
portant 70 such men than winning
elections
III Hearst is nominated will he re-
ceive the support OF the Dem ocratic
organization - Mr.. Walsh was asked.
"Of sourse he will" was the reply
"The principles for which Mr. Hearst
has stood are In the interests Of the
great mass OF the people OF the state.
He has some enemies as the result
OF the attacks made by his newspapers
upon certain individuals and the priv
lege-seeking interests are attempting
TO capitalize their attacks for the pur-
pose Of camouAaging their antipathy
10 him.
But the reactionary government Of
the state under Governor Miller is so
apparent and so obnoxious TO the peo-
ple Of the state that believe the
coming gubernatorial election will be
a repetition OF last years results IN
New York City"
Are you going to support Hearst.
Walsh was asked.
1T is too early 10 say was MS
reply.