Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-03

Conflicting views on water-power con-
troll and operation have been aired
vigorously in newspaper discussion OF
Gov. Smiths Denver speech. Republic
can critics almost unanimously con-
denim what they view as q declaration
for Government ownership and opera
tons Some Democrats also have mis-
givings on this point, but many greet
the nominees speech as courageous
stand on O. great national issue.
This is an issue, and a vitality i'm
portant issue, although few people seem
to realize it," says the Louisville
Courier journal independently. The
Republicans and their nominees have
ignored it so far. But the Democratic
nominee is keenly cognizant OF its sig
nificance-no one has better appre-
ciated its significance since Theodore
Roosevelt-and on it the Governor OF
New York has made great fight for
the people of his State and won for
them signal victory against powerful
opposition"
are the most powerful in the land to-
day." declares the Omaha World
Herald independently. Smith marches
boldly to fling defiance in their teeth,
as David went to meet Goliath, with
only the pebble of truth in his sling"
The Waterbury Republican (inde-
pendent Republican, contends: The
desirability of public ownership and
development of all future hydroelectric
plants cannot be denied. 1t ought to
be made a cardinal feature of the poll
cies of the next administration, regard
less of its political complexion" That
paper comedies that Gov. Smiths
speech as a whole bears out the ex-
pectation that when he deals with
subjects with which he has had to deal
thorough understanding OF the SUBJ
ject."
"He has nothing of the demagogue's
spirit" according to the Atlanta Jour-
nal (Democratic), lin his challenge 10
those who would monopolize, for pri-
as essential to the peoples welfare as
the air they breathe. Rather, he deals
with the question as an economist
would. or as an upright, far-seeing man
of business. intrusted with the admin
iStration of a great estate.
The outspokenness of Gov. Smith re-
veals an ingrained honesty of mind
that commends him to truth-loving
people, while the clarity and vigor OF
his speeches show how thoroughly ne
understands the country's affairs"
His position approaches dangerously
to the principle of Government opera
tion'' admits the Hartford Times Tin
dependent Democratic), which, on the
other hand, suggests that the country
knows that a great power lobby, rep
ba
fought its hardest to prevent Congress
from adopting bill providing for Gov
eminent development of Boulder Dam
resources Even If at points
Gov. Smith approaches theories that
are undesirable. it is infinitely safer for
the American people to tie to him than
to surrender to the power trust
X X y y
1.-THE very holiness of the speaker,
challenging the most tremendous ana
resourceful capitalistic group known to
the history of the country" says the
Nashville Banner independently, must
give to this address an influence and
place in the political history OF the
times quite apart from the clrcum-
stance, notable though 1t be, that 1t
was the first to be made by any can
didate for the presidency of the Re-
DuUllCy vi u SuOJCNt WAAA N,toAAH
10 the very forefront of the political
life of the Nation until 1t is settled, and
settled right"
Charging that Gov. Smith has made
a radical shift on tho Colorado River
problem" the New York Sun tinde-
pendent) adds: THE Swing-Johnson
crowd will boast now that their bill has
won the support. in one degree or an
other, of both candidates for President.
Gov. Smith has flung into
the discard his brave statement at
Albany that in the Colorado River case
the duty of the Federal Government is
confined to navigation
Condemnation CT the governors posi-
ton as favorable to Government activ-
ity in business comes from the Spring
field Union Republican,. Springfield
UllinoiS) State Journal Republican,,
Providence Bulletin independently and
Oklahoma City Times independently.
1T will alarm the conservative ele-
ments of the Nation everywhere" in
the opinion of the Spokane Spokesman
- IL; .ssIaa ~ ITnr