Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-01

When the times comes to write the
full history of the 1928 "Romanism and
rum ridden episode, Herbert Hoover'S
blush reaction to that blazing in
discretion will probably be described in
detail. The setting was highly dramatic.
The scene was the study Of his home.
The hour approached midnight. Trust
ed Republican counSelorS were IN con-
clave. Realization of the gravity Of the
incident was universal. Difference OF
opinion prevailed only as to how the
situation should be met. Hoover was
for meeting it head on" with smash
ing, crashing statement over his own
name, which would have blown all
doubt of his intolerance of intolerance
sky-high. The Reputation OF the Cald-
we'll letter, which the nominee favored,
would have burned up every telegraph
wire in the land, this observer learns.
Hoover's attitude was one of violent OPP
position to any suggestion of pussy
footing. But counselS OF calm finally
held sway. It was determined by all
concerned that a terse disavowal OF the
letter, accompanied by a citation OF the
tolerance passage In Hoover'S accept
ance speech, would satisfactorily dispose
Of the ugly affair.
X X X y
It goes without saying that the Vir-
ginia national committeewoman's epis-
tolary excess has thrown first-class
scare into the Republican high COM
mand. Hardboiled politicians like Chair
man Work, Representative Fort, Sena-
tor Moses and the rest Of them know
how the enemy in politics always SEXES
upon a happening like the Caldwell
letter and exploits 1t to the limit. Given
a similar opening. G. o. P. leaders make
few bones about saying they'd 90 What
they fearfully expect the Democrats 10
do with the "RomaniSm and rum-rld-
den" business. There are a couple OF
Sunny-Jim spirits at national commit
tee headquarters, who are doing 1nelr
best to dispel the gloom by claiming that
Mrs. Caldwell has done more good than
harm. What they mean Is that Hoover
was given a useful opportunity to nall
his tolerance colorS to the mast. inc
bulk of opinion in the G. Q. P. citadel
is that the lady has rendered the party
distinguished disservice.
X y X X
Now that Gov. Smiths foray into the
West is ended, politicians in both camps
are busily surveying and assessing us
results. In terms of actual votes won or
lost. nothing, of course, can be known
until the morning of November z. From
the Democratic standpoint several vitality
important and specific things were &C
complished Senator Norris OF Ne
braska, acknowledged leader OF the
Republican progressives, has puoncly
and enthusiastically praised smith S
stand on water power and farm relle1.
Senator Blaine of Wisconsin, another
progressive, has officially renounced
Hoover. Gov. Maddox of North Dakota,
a former Non-Partisan Lacquer, osten-
tatiously switched to the Democrats
and crossed his State in Smiths train.
Former Senator Magnus johnson,
Farmer-Labor, of Minnesota, Is out Tor
Smith, and Senator Henrik Shipstead,
Farmer-Labor candidate for reelection
in the Gopher State, resolutely refralnS
from espousing the Hoover cause. So
does Young Bob" La Toilette OF Wis
consin. Meantime Gov. LoWden is sue
cessfully suppressing any pent-up
enthusiasm he may have for the Re
publican ticket.
The Army is legitimately proud OF
its record in rushing relief supplies to
hurricane swept Porto Rico. Chief
credit is given to Mai. Gen. M. w. Ire
land. the surgeon general of the mill
tary establishment. On September II
Red Cross and Government officials
conferred about the urgent need OF
help for Porto Rico. To procure the
required supplies in the regular markets
would have taken weeks. Gen. Ireland
was sent for. The emergency was ex-
planned to him. He reported that the
medical department Of the Army was
ready to ship without a single days
delay two complete 1000-bed hospital
equipments. Then he calmly announc-
ed that the "entire outfit" was packed
and stored In the Aruy's New York