Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-10

In view of the distinctly controversial
character of the telegram of Gov.
Smith to the Democratic convention at
Houston, emphasizing his stand on re-
vision Of the Volstead law. there Is
little evidence of any attempt to MAKE
political capital out OF 1t, either among
Democrats or among Republicans. EN-
phasis Is placed upon the governors
frankness and much OF the resultant
discussion is as to the probable effect
on the Issues OF the campaign,
His statement Is accepted by the
Chicago Tribune (Republican) as ain
refreshing contrast to the pettifogging
and pusillanimity OF both the party
platforms. It Is a statement" contin-
ues the Tribune, clear. sane and free
from the weak expediencies Of the pol
itician. There Is nothing In 1t which
any one but fanatic or a paid profess
sional dry has reason to complain Of.
but the extremists Of both parties are
sufficiently organized and politically
formidable to give TO Gov. Smiths can
dor and common sense the full value OF
courage and statesmanly foresight.
mot only honest but good politics. +"
Is the verdict of the New York sun
independently, with the added COM
ment that sit saves him from any sus-
picion that he was willing to accept the
platform without supplementary ex-
pianation of his own convictions and
intentions" The Sun believes that "a
man less frank might have rested on
his previous declarations regarding pro-
hibition, hoping to pick up dry vote
here and there" and adds that those
who mourned because prohibition was
crowded out OF the iimelight by the
conventions may now be comforted.
Gov Smith has made 1t an issue"
1T lis the governors frankness, his
almost defiant simplicity In politics. his
strict and unbending honesty upon
which the people may properly rest
their confidence in him In dealing with
this. as well as all other matters" says
the Charlotte News tDemocratic), and
the Davenport Democrat (Democratic)
halls these words of wisdom" uttered
II believes. "by fearless statesman, q
man of courage and conviction" words
which add rather than detract from
his standing"
Assuming that the candidate "virtu-
ally repudiated what the delegates re-
earded as quite the most important part
OF the platform" the Cincinnati Times
star (Republican) points to the prece'
dent of 1904 when the Democratic
delegates nominated for President Judge
Alton B, Parker. goid-standard mar
on q free silver platform, who de
clared for the gold standard as he ac'
| cepted the nomination" The Rene
Evening Gazette independent Repub'
aaan) considers that the Parker letter
contributed to his defeat" and sug'
A@ %F CsH4if h
wire may be similar" The Butte Dali,
post lRepublican) believes that levi,
| IDENTIFY the purpose was. right from tho
| word go, TO assure Smiths Tamman,
and other supporters that, ignoring thu
| conventions plank, he proposes to b.
| the same kind OF wet he always ha:
! been"
"Straightford references" In the mes
| sage, according to the Chicago Dali,
| News independently tend TO develop Z
| definite issue which the PLATFORM
sought TO submerge," and the Oakland
Tribune independent republican, asks
what does dry plank mean when i
has wet support?" The &c, Louis Time,
| (Republican) feels that 1T Ia a startling
| and unprecedented departure from ac
| cepted political pussyfooting." but con
/ cludes that THE declaration will no
cost Alfred II. Smith many votes In Thu
| city," while the Philadelphia Recors
| independent Dcmocratic), replying Il
| critics OF the governor. contends; 1T |;
| difficuit to understand the mental pro
cesses OF a protesting Democrat wh'
would deny TO another member OF thu
| party the right to his own opinion of
| the merits of the law and recourse Il
advocacy OF legal means to change It."
Inconsistency with the party plat
form liz denied by the Syracuse Herals
independently Tulsa World tindepend
emit, BROOKLYN Daily Eagle tindepend
entl, and Sioux City Tribune tinde
PENDENT, while The Savannah Pres
fDemocratiel remarks. Had Gov
Smiths telegram been received before
his nomination, 1t would mot have al
tered the final result: In fact his eariiel
statement has expressed his views; bu