New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1928-09-08
WALKER Defends
SMITHS religion
New York Mayor Comes to The
Aid Of Governor

Albany. N. Y. Sept. 8 R-Anoth-
er friend and political ally Of Gov
ernor Smith-Mayor Walker OF New
York-s concerned over attempts
Of some opponents of the democra.
tic presidential nominee to make
his religion . serious campaign is
sue. and has expressed his views
regarding them In no uncertain
terms.
Gov. Smith himself is keeping IL
lent on the subject, u we'll a. on
all other subjects with which he
intends to deal In his six speech
drive in the midwest, far west and
northern border states the latter
half Of the month.
"Baseless Methods
Some Of his political lieutenants
and even his running mate. Senator
Robinson Of Arkansas. however.
have seen fit to take the so-called
whispering campaign out into the
open in an effort to halt what they
term unfair and baseless methods
They have been vigorous in their de.
nunciation Of such attacks on the
democratic standard bearer, and
Mayor Walker, who expects to take
the stump soon on behalf Of the
governor, was just as outspoken, ii
not more so. In 4 discussion OF the
subject late yesterday with news
papermen.
Coming out Of \ long conference
with Governor Smith. at which the
general political situation was taken
up. the New York city executive
who. like Smith. Is q Roman Cath
ole. charged that "fanatical bigots''
were succeeding in getting through
the mails "slanderous and disgust
ing printed matter rejecting on the
religious utilization Of the nominee.
Declaring he could not understa and
how the mailing privileges could be
open to such material. Walker
added:
1t Is a sad commentary on the
federal government to permit some
Of the printed matter ! have re-
ceived at my home In New York,
dealing with Gov. Smiths religion,
to get in the mails.
There is either a letdown In the
post Office department or they are
tolerating it. Anyone familiar with
the criminal branch OF the post Of
fee department knows how astute it
il, and also how alert the depart
ment OF justice IL in running down
this stuff. There apparently is no
attempt to stop the broadcasting Of
these slanderous statements"
Asked If he did not think the
government was allowing such mate
rial the same outlet as any other
matter because of possible censor
ship accusations, the mayor replied
that was possible, but added there
have been a good many periodicals
or magazines prosecuted for trans
hitting salacious matter, and when
you indict the morals of all the
members of a given faith it certain
ly is just as offensive to the decency
of the whole people,"
An Atheist
If such tactics continue, Walker
went on, both parties would be
forced into naming IAN agnostic or
atheist for the presidency. q man
who has no religion" The mayor
said he had not mentioned the re-
ligious question to the governor. who
today entered his last weekend of
relaxation before he opens his west
ern invasion September is at
Omaha.
Not even brief visit to the execu-
tive offices at the Capitol where he
has put in long and laborious hours
on state affairs was contemplated by
the governor.
forget the newspapermen. and noon
at the executive mansion was the
time and place for the daily press
conference.
Next week will be devoted by the
nominee to more work on state bust
ness and packing up for his hun
dreds Of miles Of travelling through
the heart OF the country, much of
which he will visit for the first time.