The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-10-24
Speech Over Radio
BY PAUL FREDRIX
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NEW YORK, Oct. 24.-Demo-
cratic strategy achieved today one
of its most vital campaign objec-
tives-deflnite Endorsement of Gov
ernor Alfred f. Smith by Senator
George Norris of Nebraska.
The Nebraska Republican leader
will tell the nation over the radio
next Saturday night why he favors
the Democratic presidential nomi-
nee, the Progressive League for
Smith announced.
This simple announcement, made
by the leagues executive Secretary
Frederick G. Howe, through the
Democratic national committee, is
calculated by party chiefs to appeal
to perhaps 100000 voters, mostly
in middle west states of political
Importance.
That many voters, classed under
various designations as Progress
sives," supported the late Senator
Robert M. La Toilette for the presi-
dency in 1924. If Norris, their un-
official spokesman, could swing
them all to Smith, the latter's elec-
ton Nov. would be practically
assured.
Al Praised La Toilette
Smith would need, in addition to
the agricultural states he could
carry in such manner, only the usual
solid south" and New York state
to put him over.
Whether Norris has strength to
influence so many voters is, of
course, open to debate. But the
Democrats, including Smith, had
such healthy respect for him that
they bid all along for his backing.
Smith started this bid in his ac-
ceptance speech when he praised
the elder La Toilette and advocated
progressive" as opposed to "reac-
tionary" government. He since has
stressed in campaign speeches gov
ernment ownership and control OF
water power, particularly with refer
ence to Muscle Shoals, a thing for
which Norris has fought in the face
Of presidential vetoes.
1t had been forecast that Norris
would support Smith. Senator
Blaine Of Wisconsin, one of Norris
group, had done so. Senator Rob-
ert La Toilette Jr., with fight for
reelection on his hands, had failed
to mdorse Herbert Hoover, the Re-
publican nominee.
Hoover, invading New York CITY
Monday, attacked Smiths proposals f
as state socialism" In doing so
he afforded strategic moment for
Norris to come to Smiths support.
The announcement of the Pro-
greSsive league came while Norris
was in Washington state, compaign-
ing for reelection of Senator Dill.
At Tacoma Tuesday he said that
Hoover by his position on Hydro
electric power had "repudiated" all
the progressiveS who had backed
him in the past.
He will make his Saturday
night pro-Smith speech in Omaha,
Nebraska, state who eight electoral
votes might be sorely needed in
the Smith column.
Republicans Cooperate
"A nationwide radio hookup over
he Columbia chain has been ar
'anged by the progressive league to
BRING his speech to the millions OF
'oterS who will be interested in it."
he announcement said.
Senator Norris will speak from
to 8 o'clock, central time. He will
ievote his entire speech to dis
.uSsion of the two presidential can
lidateS on national issues"
Prominent Republicans in Ne
'raska we're said to be cooperating
n arranging for the meeting in the
auditorium in Omaha, where the
enate will address "one of the larg-
st meetings to be held in the west
Turing the campaign"