Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-29
~ Official activity through
- out the country during the

- out the country during the
week Just ended, as indicated
by dispatches to The Star,
have been concerned largely
in efforts to halt the booms of AL
fred E. Smith and Herbert Hoover.
In some States these efforts appar-
entity have met with a measure OF
success. In other States 18th Smith
and Hoover have continued to make
progress, though perhaps not such
rapid progress as they seemed to be
making a few weeks ago.
Followers of both Smith and
Hoover insist they are not surprised
because the pace has become more
moderate. For both men there was
a known and avoWed volume OF sup
port which early became articulatc.
Now, they say, it is case of gar
nering the cautious and the doubt
ers and meeting outright opponents
and they do not expect to go ahead
so fast.
But it IS recognized that this lull
is not without its perils. For in
stance, a dispatch from Ohio says the
friends Of Hoover are becoming dis
couragcd because. while the Score
tary of Commerce hesitates to enter
the primaries as an open aSpirant.
Senator Willis is sewing. up the dele
gates. Ohio Hoover men believe
that in an open fight they could
capture a majority OF the delega-
ton, even with Willis entered as a
favorite son, but they can do moth
ing unless Hoover gives consent.
Under the Ohio primary law cam
didates for delegate mus. pledge
themselves for first and second
choice and must have the written
consent of the men for whom they
pledge. Under the situation as 1t
exists the Ohio Hooverites Will have
no chance TO make their prefer
ence known. and they charge that
the delegates being put in the field
for Willis will be for Dawes when
Willis has had his run.
A like situation exists in Indiana,
which is TO give Senator Watson a
fayorite son vote at Kansas City 1t
is reported that Watson delegates
are being selected with Dawes in
mind as an ultimate choice. and that
care Is being taken 70 see that none
Of the Watson delegates Is favorable
TO Hoover As a matter Of fact.
Dawes sentiment appears 10 be pick
ing up in number of widely sepa-
rated States. In Missouri the Low
den campaign seems 10 have about
come to a standstill. and it Is re-
ported that a considerable proper
ton OF the Lowden strength Is veer-
ing toward the Vice President But
in Missouri II Is said Hoover Is de-
veloping strength rapidly, especially
in the cities, and that the rural sec
lions are less hostile TO him than
had been believed This Is encourag-
ing the Hoover men TO enter into a
contest for delegates and first
class fight seems in prospect.
fractional fights in both parties
and In a number OF States are wor-
rying the supporters Of various can
didates. but without any clear indi-
cation as TO how results will be az
fected. Maryland Republicans are
in contest for control OF the State
organization. bat confidence is ex-
pressed that Hoover's chances Of
getting a majority Of the State dele
cation are not endangered. His man.
ayers will be less uneasy. however.
when there is fuller showing Of
hands. In Colorado. which has been
regarded as Hoover territory. Low
den club has been organized and 1t
Is said an effort is being made 10
line up what is left Of the Khan In
support OF the Illinois man. but
Hoover's friends profess 10 believe
that the movement cannot make
much Roadway.
There has been letdown In
Hoover activity in Pennsylvania. the
disposition being 20 wait on word
from Secretary Mellon. The belief
seems 10 be growing that Mellon
still has a lingering hope that Cool
idgc may be drafted and that he