Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-09-18
SMITH IS SILENT
AS M'ADOO QUITS
Democrats Speculate on
Governors Course-Dis-
! CuSs Other Candidates.
BY the Associated Press.

William Gibbs NlcAdoo, whose
presidential campaign was wrecked
in the titantic struggle With the
forces of Gov. Alfred f.. Smith al
Madison Square Garden three years
tgo. announced yesterday that he
would not enter the race for the
Democratic nomination in 1928.
There was immediate speculation
among party leaders as to the prob
able effect of his announcement on
the fortunes of Gov. Smith and
others. Many of them reCd in the
statement an invitation to the New
York Governor TO withdraw also. but
few of them thought he would do SO.
Gov. Smith himself declined to
make any comment, as did his friends
here. While most of the Democratic
leaders in Washington refused to
talk for publication. some of the
Senators from the South did not hest
tate to voice hope that Smith would
get out and clarity the atmosphere of
the religious and wet issues which
nave been brought to the front in
connection with his candidacy.
Mc.Adoo Statement Recalled.
Those who interpreted the McAdoo
announcement as in invitation to
the field pointed to the former Treas
nry Secretary's statement that the
1874 Democratic campai ign had been
rendered "ahortiVe by the unfor-
tunate injection, against my OPPOSE
ton. of the false religious issue into
the Democratic national convention"
and his further declaration that if
there was a repetition of this next
year the party would be reduced
again TO impotence"
Everything possible should be done
TO prevent the 1928 convention from
degenerating into mere struggle
of individuals for personal preferment
AT the expense of principles and
policies of fundamental Importance
TO party character and to the welfare
OF the Nation Mr.. McAdoo said.
Principles and policies must come
first. Personal ambitions. however
legitimate, and every selfish purpose
should be subordinated to them"
Declaring that ne probably could
do more to advance the objects of the
party as a private citizen than as
candidate for the presidency, Mr..
McAdoo said he preferred to stand
aside in order that the field might be
left clear, so far as l can clear it.
Then he added:
II shall not, therefore, be a candi-
date for the Democratic presidential
nomination in 1928"
Will Oppose Smith Candidacy.
While not mentioning Smith by
name, Mr. McAdoo made it fairly
clear in his pronouncement, as he
has in conversation with his friends.
that as a private citizen he would
continue to oppose the candidacy of
the New York governor. Moreover,
L A. ya<rl, 1NNy
phasizing that there must be no null
LITIGATION of the Constitution that he
would oppose any wet candidate.
While Senators who commented on |
the announcement for publication |
were quick in their praise of the po-
sition he had taken, one of them, |
Senator Caraway of Arkansas. ex-
pressed regret that the former Treas
ury Secretary had not taken the
same position three years ago.
IF Mr. McAdoo had shown the
same spirit at New York in 1924" he
said. 81 think the convention would |
have written an entirely different his |
tory. At that time Gov. Smith was |
willing to withdraw. What he may |
feel about it now. 1 do not know"
Senators Harris of Georgia and |
Fletcher Of Florida, Joined with SEN |
stor Caraway in expressing their be-
lief that il Gov. Smith withdrew the
party could agree upon a candidate
who might carry the party to success
in 1928.
"If Gov. Smith. whose prominence
is such as to entitle him to be a can
didate, should feel impelled to follow
Mr.. McAdoo's example. the next DEM
ocratic convention Will name the next
President Of the United States" said
Senator Caraway.
Suggests Compromise.
1.-THE only hope Of Democratic sue.
cess is to unite on some man the
Smith and McAdoo factions can agree
upon" said Senator Harris. Il believe
the Democrats can be successful with
out a doubt if they harmonic their
differences"
I'VE ought to get away from the old
antagonisms Of Madison Square
ator Fletcher. Il don't see any reason
why we should not"
Senator Nye Of North Dakota, the
only Republican to comment ex-
pressed the opinion that the only hope
the Democrats had of success was to
harmonic their differences on candi-
dates and issues.
Mr.. McAdoos announcement, which
long had been awaited by Democratic
George +. Milton, publisher Of the
Chattanooga. Tenn, News. The com.
municatiOn was in response to one
from Mr.. Milton urging him to an
nounce his candidacy and informing
him that he should again take the
leadership 'of progressive Democ-
racy." Mr.. Milton added in his lett ar
that survey of the situation had con-
WINGED him that McAdoo could be
nominated and elected.
Friends Knew of Stand.
While Mr.. McAdoo's announcement
ss to his position respecting the 1928
campaign long had been awaited. il
developed yesterday that he had made
his position known privately to a num-
her of his supporters here some time
ago. At that time there were reports
A HOt-Wa1