Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-19
Al ALBANIAN RAISES
RELIGIOUS ISSUE
Dissatisfied Democratic Ele'
ments Form Real Foe
for Smith.

MONTGOMERY Ala, August 1s.-
Definite injection Of the religious ques-
ton as the paramount issue in the
campaign marked the political activity
of the week in Alabama. This issue
was raised BY DR.. Bob Jones. noted
Methodist evangelist, first at q meeting
Of "anti-Smith Democrats" in Birming-
ham and again in public speech in
Geneva County Wednesday.
The evangelist declared that prohibit
ton is minor ISSUE in the campaign
End that the most important question
is keeping q Catholic out of the Presi-
dents chair. He has announced that
he will dcli"er 100 speeches in the
state in the interest of Herbert Hoover.
The frst political activity was the
formation Of an organization in Biz
rlingham Monday which pledged Itself
to name II electors from Alabama who
will cast the vote Of this State in the
electoral college for Herbert Hoover.
This meeting was followed by an
nouncenents CT speaking dates and
further conferences. Judge Hugh Locke
of Birmingham. member Of the Ala
bama State Democratic executive COM
n1ittee. was made chairman Of the
hybrid organiZa tion, composed of ultra
drys formerly connected with the
Democratic party and regular old line
Republicans.
Graves Is Silent.
Attending the organization meeting
in Birmingham were men who attended
the Houston convention as Democratic
delegates, others in the organization
are holding remunerative positions
under the administration of Gov, Bib
Graves. elected as Democratic gov
ernor. Gov. Graves has not vet made
a positive statement that he will vote
for the Democratic nominee. He has
contented himself by the crypt reply
Il am Democrat"
Political observers point out that the
statement Of the governor, in the light
OF declarations of "anti-Smith Demo-
Gratis" can mean that he viii net vote
for Al Smith. The assertion is made IN
all seriousness by those who partici-
rated in the formation of an organize
ticn TO defeat Smith, that the Demo-
cratic party has no nominee. DR.;
Jones. IN his speech wednesday, stated
that Herbert Hoover is a good Demo-
crat
Leaders within the Democratic fold
are beginning to display a certain
amount OF unoasincss about the out
come in Alabama Close. observers Of
the political trend have come to tpe
conclusion that the dissatisfied clements
within the ranks constitute a very
formidable element--an element that,
coupled with the regular Republican
vote. is liable 10 endanger chances for
victory for the national ticket in Ala
bams.
Termed Democrats"
In all Of the speeches the opponents
If Gov Smith take pains to announce
themselves Democrats" and ready 10
support the Democratic ticket. but DENY
that Gov. Alfred E. Smith Is a Demo-
crat or even the Democratic nominee.
With this line of argument and the
hacking Of the Ku Kiux Khan, Anti
Saloon League and a large number OF
ministers. an appeal is being made TO
the voter who is all too quick 10 accept
a naked charge as proof OF guilt. the
Democratic party is In for real tight
in Alabama for the first time since
the PopuIist DAYS of the carly nineteS.
The regular Republican State exec
ltive committee is expected to hold
meeting next week and indications now
ooirt to a conference looking 10 some
sort Of agreement by which the old
liners will accept the slate prepared by
the boilers from the Democratic party.
Especially il this Viewpoint prevalent
among those whe remember that the
new-pade Republicans are pledged TO
s1rnpc~t the Republican presidential
ncn1lDre. AIItCCo MoLLIF'