The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1927-11-10
FACE
JACKSON
DINNER ! !.
BY GEORGE R. HOLMES


Rnittee, which has been alternating
since the great catastrophe in Madi-
son Square Garden, will meet in
Washington on January IL to select
the 1928 convention city.
Coincident with this gathering. a
movement is now afoot to review the
ancient custom of holding a Jackson
Day dinner.
The Capital will be full of Demo
Gratis, in and out of Congress, and
those Presidential aspirants not
domiciled here could be invited, &C.
cording to those who are favorable to
the project.
The principal question being de-
hated in Democratic circles is:
rs it safer"
Peaces of the Past
jackson Day dinners in the past
have been prolific of trouble.
The "feast of oratory and flow Of
soul" that additionally goes with a
Jacksonian banquet has usually trod
heavily on somebody's toes and de-
feated the primary purpose of the
gathering, which is party harmony.
friends nervous prostration by the
manner in which he dealt with the
late William Jennings Bryan at
q Jackson banquet speech.
The memory of it still fingers.
Incidentally, Mr.. Bryan returned
the compliment a few years later
during Mr.. Wilson'S Presidency.
The memory of that still fingers in,
Democratic minds. too.
Consequently, the party staIwarts
In Congress are approaching the
dinner with considerable trepidation.
They would like to see the dinner
held. provided some assurance could
be had beforehand that it would
not result in more ruffled feelings
than already prevails in the party.
Governors Possible Guests
1t has been tentatively proposed
that all the Democratic governors
of States, some %, be invited to the
dinner, which, of course would also
be attended by the national corn
mitteemen and party leaders in
Congress.
William G. McAdoo, now domiciled
In the Capital and pursuing a lucra-
tive law practice, naturally would
be invited.
The mere presence Of Gov. AL
Smith and Mr.. McAdoo at the same
banquet table isn't worrying the
promoters.
It's the question of the speeches.
1t would hardly be appropriate,
1t is pointed out, for any Demo
cratic banquet to he held having
Governor Smith as a guest without
calling upon him to make few
remarks"
The governor is the outstanding
candidate for the Presidential nomi-
nation next year, and probably the
most-talked-of individual Democrat
at the present moment in the
country.
But If Governor Smith were &C.
corded a place on the program,
would not place also have to be
given Mr.. McAdoo? He has been
q prominent candidate at the last
two conventions.
The friends of the ex-Secretary
of the Treasury say yes. And If
they both spoke, what would hap
pen?
That Is the dilemma that is now
puzzlirg those who are striving to
promote the banquet as a means
of restoring the appearance of
party solidarity.
One proposal has been put for.
ward which is regarded favorably
by the promoters. This would have
but one principal speech and it
would be delivered by some promi.
nent Democrat who is not identi-
fled with either the Smith or Nc.
Adoo wings of the party--John w.
Davis, the 1924 candidate, or ex-
Governor James M. Cox, the 1920
candidate.
The keynote Of that speech would
be peace and harmony, with both
Governor Smith and Mr.. McAdoo
and their friends presumably lead
ing the applause from behind the
coffee cups.
OF course, both Governor Smith
and Mr.. McAdoo might decide not
to attend. That would make things
easier, but it would detract a. whole
lot from the importance and signifi.
canoe of the occasion.
A definite decision whether tn
stage the banquet will be reached
soon after Congress conveneS early
next month. bringing to Washing.
ton some Al Democratic Senators
and some 200 Democratic members
of the House. A concensus of
opinion is desired by those promot-
ing the idea.