The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1924-06-28
ELECTION FATE
IN BALANCE
TODAY
Jack Lait Says Showdown on
Khan Means Everything
to Democrats
BY JACK lat.

i
CONVENTION HALL, NEW
YORK, June 2s.-Tl1e Democrats
gathered early today-and well they
might. For today promises one
% the most hectic sessions in all
the history Of Democratic conven-
tons and they are always exciting.
For today Is an Get for q floor
debate on the World Court and the
TX. Il. X.
The World Court argument VIII
surprise America. It hasn't had
much newspaper stuff during this
conclaye. But the undercurrent Of
feeling for and against Il IL In
tense. vitriolic and terrific.
However, what the great family
Of readers Is most agitated about
Is the khan. That such b pusil-
luminous issue should be made a
vital point Of historic significance
In the councils Of q great party
10, alone, an egregiousIy dramatic
circumstance.
But the angles Of reflex, from
several sides, throw lights Into and
| onto IL that magnify its decisive
character and colorful aspects.
Leading COntenders.
Smith and McAdoo though neither
viii be nominated--are this morn.
ing still the leading contenders for
the stars spotlight.
| Rivals. antithesis. internecine foes,
they are both against what the
majority OF the convention seems
to be for-an anti-klan plank Of
outspoken, militant punch"
| Why?
McAdoo has a strong khan sup.
port. Since the platform win be
fought out and ratified before any
nomination votes will be taken, Il
Is certain that McAdoo, brought In
on q wave Of partisan khan back.
ing, cannot be nominated BY the
same body which goes on record
after due elaboration and open
fighting against the hooded order,
McAdoo and the khan, so far, an.
parently seem to be like our Union
now and forever, one and In.
separable; even though no one has
directly charged or boasted thai
i McAdoo "a actually klansman.
i Consider now the situation 81
SMITH Roman Catholic. SUD
posed-to.be wet the favorite child
Of New York, the most anti-kIau
State in the Union, the one with tbs
most predominant element Of Jews
Catholics, and negroes on the map
not barring even Massachusetts.
/ Smith, by birth. by sentiment, b.
following, Is bitterly against thu
khan, as the khan is bluntly against
Smith.
Democrats Fate on Khan.
a-2it ! x - j
But, should the platform 20 anti
khan, and should Smith be non1i
4 mated, as well, that would prac
tically stake the entire Democratic
election fate on this single issue.
The mere nomination OF Smith
would split this nation on that con
tested question Of religious preIudici
or religious tolerance.
There has never been q Catholic
President. II Smith were named
that would have to be settled abov,
all things.
But Smith would want ID run no
as a Catholic, but as an American
and to be elected, II possible. Ial
though he Is Of q minority faiti
rather than because Of ID.
Therefore. the khan paragraph
VIII have passions surglng from
many sides. and some Of It's mos
enthusiastic cohorts win be its MOS
stubborn opponents, yes ana no.
For the Smithsonians are 70
Smith; and the McAdooers ARE 10
McAdoO, and between those. the,
make up probably q majority OF III,
delegates, and Tor diverse but con
verging reasons OF their own, the,
are against a platform aattacl
against the masked klansnen a.
long as there is a chance to no,fli
nate either Of the leading pre-
tenders.
Bosses Rules Party
4 Were either or both eliminated
as both probably will be, the fac,
| OF It would change at once. Tina
this convention il in q majority foI
Esome open combat against HI
Kluxism has been demonstrated
Individually the delegates. a. Ii
! usual In Democratic national, gath
erings, are In the hands Of thu