New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1927-09-17
NOMINATE SMITH

cratic party in 1928 will be to
nominate Al Smith or bust"
A man who has been elected gov
ernor OF the most populous state in
the Union four times is entitled to
presidential consideration, and no
doubt could carry that state in a
presidential campaign, And he in all
probability could carry some others
which will go Republican otherwise.
With such an opportunity con-
fronting it the Democratic party ap-
pears to remain hesitant, and there
is still talk Of contest" at the
convention.
The New York governor is the
strongest man in the Democratic
party. It Is astonishing indeed that a
great political party-one at least
supposed TO he stiu great-can hest
tate TO nominate its strongest poten-
tiaI candidate.
It the Democratic party again re-
fuses to nominate Smith the results
will be as disastrous as they We're
in 1924 Millions Of Democrats will
quit the party in disgust. perhaps
never TO return.
If the embatxed Democratic
party, howe ever. dominates Smith, its
chances for victory will be better
than at any time since the days OF
Woodrow Wilson. The Republicans,
who know the situation as well as
the Democrats, admit it.
The nomination of Smith will also
clear the prospects for sundry other
Democratic candidates. What po-
tential Democratic candidate in Con-
necticut, for example, is enthused at
running for office without Smith
heading the ticket? They have to be
dragged by the scruff Of the neck TO
enter such a contest. But let Smith
be the national standard bearer and
watch the scramble to get on the
I band wagon. That there would be
fewer Republican congressman sent
10 Washington from this over
WhclminGly Republican state" is be-
lieved entirely probable if Smith
heads the ticket; and fewer other
Republican candidates likewise may
he accommodated with the honors
OF Office.
1t IS said that the south might OBJ
jcct too strongly if Smith were
nominated. Our opinion is that the
worst happening in the hotter re-
sions would be that fewer burghers
would 20 to the polls. Rather than
vote for a Republican president,
even Hoover of flood RELIEF fame,
they would not vote at all. A few
border states, like Tennessee and
Kentucky, might slip toward the Re
publicans; but they could scarcely
balance the more important states
which would slip toward the Demo.
Gratis.
As Smith has not handed over
New York state to the pope since
being governor, and as a watchful
congress would stin be functionine
were he elected president, the reIi-
gious issue amounts to cipher; and
the same evidence of noncntitv per
tails to the prohibition issue. In re-
apcct to these two subjects for par
Tor debate. some persons apparently
regard the president as having the
/ power OF a Mussolini. The facts are
/ the president doesn't pass laws and
no doesn't repeal them: and laws
can be passed over his veto and can
b" repealed against his opposition
Smith should be nominated. Lei
there be real old-time presidential
election contest for change
Thousands Of w"ll-mcaning citizens
have deplorcd the evident disinter-
estedness Of the public in politica
matters, as is shown by their reluc.
lance 70 even vote. With Smith the
Democratic candidate this problem
would he Well solvod-the percent.
aee Of those taking the trouble tc
vote in The important states wouId
rise TO the vicinity of 100 per cent