The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-06-16
MAY UNITE:
STRAY DOC
GROUPS
At N. !.
With Canal Zone, Philippines,
Alaska, Porto Rico and
Hawaii, Has 50 Votes
By GEORGE FRANKLIN.

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The District of Columbia, after
decades Of being kicked about like
a stray mongrel, is going to give
the Democratic national conven-
ton q thrill, if plans Of Washing
ton Democrats do not miscarry.
The political, homeless Hyoodle
has suddenly discovered that it
has teeth, and is getting set to
sink them into the jugular vein
of the convention and shake loose
its just deserts.
Perhaps the District jaws win
miss the jugular, but, at least,
the pup will open its mouth and
bay-which will serve to keep
some of the Democratic legion
awake, and may bring a few juicy
tidbits Of political grub. Here's
the idea:
Propose Combine.
The District Of Columbia has .
total Of six votes in the conven-
ton, a fact which keeps nobody
awake nights. But
There are six votes each allotted
to Canal Zone, Alaska, Hawaii,
Philippines and Porto Rico, our
sister territories Of Uncle Sam.
Each Of these territories has an
ak to grind-recognition OF this
or that, representation before Con-
gress. a political plum, or what
not. There is a common bond OF
stray dog-isrn that makes for mutual
understanding between these terri
tories.
Now, what II these territories
should decide to pool their interests
at the national convention, and vote
as a unit? Just think that over
for a moment.
They would have a total Of
thirty-six votes. and in these par
lous times, that IL something for
a candidate to stay up a night or
two to consider.
May Bark In Unison.
Surprising they should vote as
unit during the entire conven-
ten?
The combined stray dogs would
have a total vote greater than
that of all except five States, being
outvoted numerically by New York,
Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ohio and
Texas only. Missouri and Massa.
chusetts. important delegations to
the convention, have 36 votes each.
All the rest would be Of less inn
portance than the combined stray
dogs.
The logical leader Of the stray
dog group is the District Of Col
umbia delegation. Physically un.
der the well known and justly
popular shadow Of the Capitol
Dome. District delegates are in
position to point out that they
are able to watch wells for the
stray dog interests. Does Porto
Rico want a locally selected gov
ernor? All, leave it to the stray
dog representative in Washington.
Does Alaska want some action
on its railroad problem, or the
fish question? Well, here we are,
gentlemen. at your service.
Position Strategic.
The stray dog vote IL last "A the
list, as the convention roll is called.
It occupies q strategic position,
especially in view Of the general
forecast Of the actions Of that body.
1t is certain that no candidate
will be selected on the first
ballot.
Purely as a guess, It Is likely to
run something like this: McAdoo.
800; Smith, 275; Underwood, IS;
facvorite sons, TAO. Necessary to
nominate. 1872. In this situation, II
is evident that barring miracles,
1t will take a large number Of
ballots to select q candidate for
president-and the larger the mum.
Der Of ballots, the more important
will become the vote Of the stray
dog group.
Wouldn't It be great to sit. with
your radio clamped TO your ears,
listening to the convention stuff,
and hear somebody speak right up
in meeting and say:
"Mr. Chairman, in behalf of
Alaska, Canal Zone, Hawaii, Philip
pines, Porto Rico and the District
Of Columbia, have the honor to
inform the convention, that, until
further notice, their votes will be
cast as a unit. The thirty-six votes
Of this group is cast for -
Democratic candidates, accept the
tip of a well wisher: Give q thought
to the stray dog contingent,