Evening star., 1928-11-17
REPUBLICAN VOTE
WORRIES VIRGINIA
Further G. O. p. Success viii
Be Sought in Election of
State Officers.

BY the Associated Press.
RICHMOND Va. November 17.-vir-
ginia has emerged from the general
election of 1928 with political prob
lem that Is an enigma Of the first
magnitude.
Breaking with the solid South" for
the first time since the days of recon-
struction to support Herbert Hoover,
election. from constable to governor,
with remembrance of the $4,000 major
ity for Hoover still fresh. 1t is con-
ceivable that every office will be
contested.
More Victories Sought.
The Republican party in Virginia,
generally a stronger minority than in
other Southern States, is OBVIOUSLY anx-
iouS to follow up its success and estab-
lish two-party government in the State.
The Democrats are giving serious con-
sideration to the possibility ol Repub-
lican government in Richmond.
Democratic newspapers II. the State,
reviewing the election editorially, almost
unanimously attribute the Republican
majority In Virginia to anti-Smith votes
and predict that these votes will return
to the Democratic column. This, how
ever, does not explain fully the election
of three Republican Representatives by
good majorlties and close contests for
two others who were defeated by Demo-
Gratis. One of the Republican Repre-
sentatives, Jacob A. GarDer, won in
Gov Harry Birds own district, while
another scored victory in the tradi-
lionally Democratic Tidewater section
at Norfolk
The anti-Smith Democrats, headed by
Bishop James Cannon, jr., of the Meth
odist Episcopal Church South, early in
the campaign announced opposition to
Gov. Alfred E. Smith but urged sup
port of the dry Democratic nominees.
1T appears obvious, however, that many
who voted the Republican national
ticket followed through for the other
Republican nominees.
DETECTION Permanent?
First, there is the problem of whether
these Democrats Will return to their
party IN 1929 In addition there is the
problem of whether they may return
if they so desire.
However much the Democratic men
and women who supported Hoover con-
slider themselves sill Democrats, they
are officially Republicans If the theory
Of the party, braced by law, is upheld in
practice, every Democrat who voted Re-
publican will be barred from the Demo-
cratic primary.
What are the Democrats going tc
do?" Is a question being asked on all
sides. The Democratic newspapers arc
contending that the question demands
the best immediate thought of the party
leaders. 1t has been suggested that
nominees might be chosen by conven-
ton, or if this is not deemed feasible,
that there might be something of q
gentleman's agreement not to challenge
voters at The polls. The Democratic
press Is cian.oring for action on the
part of the leaders in the State govern
menG to work out solution
While the general election was a ma
! tional issue, some speakers attempted
to add State issue to the alseady over
burdened campaign. It was insisted
by number in the Democratic wing
that supported Smith that q vote for
! Hoover was repudiation of the State
Democratic leaders who were actively
supporting the Democratic ticket Gov.
Byrd's program of progress" embodied
in the constitutional changes adopted
at special election last June was de-
clared to be involved.
Loss Of Influence Is Seen.
1t is obvious that this issue was
somewhat stretched to reach the ma
ticnal campaign. but it appears equally
certain that the Democratic leaders
have lost some influence. There is a
practical certainty that a gubernatorial
candidate will appear In 1929 on an
"anti-short ballot" platform. The
short ballot" was the name given to
three constitutional amendments spon-
sored by Gov. Byrd. The amendments
were adopted last June by very close
margins.
Henry W. Anderson, who has ap-
peared on the national Republican
horizon as vice presidential candi-
date as well as on the Mexican Claims
Commission and other Government
bodies, is being discussed as a candidate
for governor on the Republican ticket.
Mr.. Anderson. we'll known Richmond
lawyer, took an active part In turning
Virginia into the Republican column
1t Is being further contended in Vir-
ginia that the three Republican Rep
resentatives from the Old Dominion
will have more influence as members
OF the party in control and will be able
to do more for Virginia, thereby assur-
ing continued support from home.
1t Is a year until the State election
and four years until another President
is chosen, but the Democrats have al
ready donned their thinking caps.