Evening star., 1924-01-16
NEW YORK CHOICE
BY DEMOCRATS IS
BLOW TO M'ADOO
Enhances Chances of His
Foes to Nominate Compro-
mise Candidate.
EARLY DEADLOCK is HOPE
OF UNDERWOOD FRIENDS
Former Secretary of Treasury's
Defeat Seen in Two-Thirds
Nominating Rule.
BY N. o. MESSENGER.

The principal consideration in the
selection of New York city for the
democratic national convention was a.
question of finances, but politicians
expect 1t to play part in influencing
the choice of a presidential candidate.
The argument they advance in sup
port of this suggestion is that the
atmosphere surrounding the conven-
fion will be so friendly to Gov. AL
fred E. Smith, who Is certain to figure
largely in the proceedings, as to prob
ably enhance the strength of the
blocs which are intent upon prevent
ing nomination of Mr.. McAdoo, leav-
ing the field open to a compromise
candidate, although no one expects
1t will be Gov Smith.
New York has been, and is, regard
ed by Mr.. McAdoo's friends as "the
enemy's country" The large flnan-
cial interests are said to be opposed
TO Mr.. McAdoo on account of his al
legged radical tendencies. Mr.. McAdoo
at present holds admittedly the most
valuable political assets of any of the
actual and potential candidates for
the presidential nomination; that is
to say. to have the prospective sup
port of more delegates than the
others.
But even his most optimistic
friends cannot figure the necessary
two-thirds. The one chance of his
opponents lies in blocking his ef-
the convention into a deadlock and
hold it until 1t is shown that Mr.
McAdoo cannot win, and then all
hands scramble for the nomination on
compromise.
Is Hope of McAdoo Foes.
This is what Mr.. Underwood's
friends hope to accomplish for him.
II is what Thomas Taggart of In
diana, Charles F. Murphy of New
York and George E. Brennan of III
inois hope to effect-not necessarily
in favor of Senator Underwood, but
to set the deadlock and then cast
nee. 1t might be Senator Ralston, 1t
might be Senator Underwood, or
some western dark horse"-but
they do not want McAdoo and the
only way to beat him is through a
deadlock.
If the question is asked how New
YORK came to be chosen in view of
the claim that Mr.. McAdoo has the
support of majority of the ma
tional committee which made the Sc
his friends, notably Homer S. Cum
Minis, voted for New York in the
belief that the financial consideration
was paramount to all others Mr..
Cummins contended that the loca-
ton of the convention Is immaterial;
IT Is the possession of the delegates
that ccounts. and we have them"
s205,O0O Looked Good.
That S205.ooO loked too good to the
committee to pass up" To be sure,
San Francisco was ready to meet IL,
but there came in the question of
railroad expenses for the delegates. 1t
was d costly railroad bill they had to
meet four years ago, when the con-
vention went to San Francisco and
they haven't forgotten II.
1t is regarded as significant, too,
that the "drys," who all along have
been opposing the selection of New
York for fear that the atmosphere
of tina. city would be too wet" and
tend to encourage the advocates of
a wine and beer plank in the plat
form, were not able to keep the con-
vention away.
1t is unsafe to predict that such a
plank can be put in the platform,
but there can be no question that the
movement to that end will be given
an impetus, especially in the enthusi-
asm likely to be shown for Gov.
Smith in his own home town.
WILSON GREETS LEADERS,