The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-10-31
DRY LEADERS
SOUND WARNING
AGAINST SMITH
Call for Immediate and
Heavy CO.. tributionS
for Cause
FEAR RESULT IN SOUTH
Loss of Prestige Sure to
Follow Election, in
View of Foes.
FEAR RESULT IN SOUTH
BY RAY TUCKER
Times Staff CnrresnOndent


WASHINGTON, Oct. 31.-Under
heavy attack by Governor Alfred E.
Smith, the Anti-Saloon League to-
day issued a nation wide appeal for
immediate contribution of funds to
finance its campaign through
churches and other welfare or
CARNATIONS against the Democratic
presidential m ninee.
Seriousness IF the situation from.
their viewpoint is not nlinimized by
the drys, for the letter, written by
Howard Hyde Russell of Westerville,
o., founder and general superin-
tendent, mentions vast sums being
spent by the vets.
It also expresses the fear that
southern states, though dry, may
vote for Smith, and that Republican
vets in northern territory may rally
to his standard.
I'm the final strategy to assure
success" the letter says, much
more money must be provided
quickly. -. from the officers and
members of the association opposed
to prohibition and many other
sources, funds more than ever be-
fore are flowing into the wet cam
paign treasury.
John j. Raskob, the Republican
who heads the committee for the
frankly wet candidate, and other
supporters, just have increased their
gifts to 100000 each. While our
league has received no very large
amounts, the spirit of deep interest
have been shown by many contribu-
tors. The support has been entire
ly individual. The league has re-
ceived no help from any organiza-
ton, political or otherwise"
Ine detailed account of dry activ-
tiles against Smith, however, indi-
cate that the organized drys have
spent considerable money.
in this most difficult and chal-
longing campaign" the letter con-
tinues, "the league has published
and distributed millions Of vote
winning prints, has sent flying
wedges of speakers, has promoted
news publicity, and is most actively
recruiting and organizing the dry
forces dry votes must be won
and gotten into the ballot boxes.
Every proper effort must be made to
insure victory"
Meanwhile, Washington specu-
lated on the loss of power the league
may suffer from its present activi-
ties, regardless of who is elected
President. Should Smith carry
southern States, where it has con-
Quoted its most vigorous fight on
him, its influence might wane
among Democratic members of con-
gress already bitter against anti
Smith leaders In that territory.
Leading southern drys, including
men like Senators Glass of Virginia,
Harrison of Mississippi, and Cara
way of Arkansas. nightly have de-
nounced the tactics of league lead
ers as animated by religious preju-
dice. Bishop Cannon, one of the
most embattled prohibitionists, has
been their chief target.
The threat against Senator Nor
ris, cited by Smith in his Baltimore
speech as an example Of the leagues
"browheating methods has an
tagonized the Nebraskan's friends
in his own and surrounding states.
Lastly, should Smiths vote re-
veal a change in sentiment on the
wet-and-dry issue, the organized
drys might be hard put to maintain
their recent domination of legisla-
ton on Capitol hill.