Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-31
Smith and the Saloon.

Gov. Smiths record as TammanS
Asscnsblyman in the New York Legs
isture is given wide publicity by VII
liam Allen White, Kansas editor In
this record Mr.. White inds ground for
charging that Smith in those days dio
tn. hehest Of Tammany and that Tam
many acted always in the interests Of
tn. saloon, the gambler and the pros
titute. After giving 10 the public the
record Of the Smith votes on various
bills dealing with the saloon. the gam
bier and the prostitute, Mr.. White has
seen At to Issue further statement
withdrawing his charges against Gov
Smiths legislative record as to bills
governing gambling and prostitution,
He does not wish. he says, to question
the motives of the Democratic presi-
dental nominee SO far as gambling and
prostitution are concerned. But Mr.
White allows the record and his charges
@ stand showing that Smith voted
consistently in the Assembly for the
saloon.
Whatever Mr.. Whites Interpretation
Of Gov. Smiths record on legislation
affecting gambling and the prostitute.
the record Is there. Mr.. White says he
does not wish to question the motives
of the New York governor on these
matters. Indeed. he adds he greatly
ednaires Gov. Smith for his many high
qualities" and that the purity of his
motives should always be granted in
any political controversy" Having given
publicity 70 Gov. Smiths legislative
record. Mr.. White will have to be con-
tent to let the public generally decide
for itself.
The Kansas editor. even In the mo-
naent Of making public the record
showing that Gov. Smith had voted
consistently In favor Of legislation aid
ing the saloon-keeper. declares 1t is
inconceivable that he has not changed
his mind since he left the Assembly. "
The Smith Of today Is different man
from Assembiynan Smith. he suggests.
But Mr.. White does not grant that
Tammany is . different Tammany from
the Tammany OF twenty years ago.
Tamnaany twenty years ago made As
seniblyman Smith do its behests and,
he says, win undertake TO make Smith
Co it's behests II he becomes President
Of the United States Therein lies the
danger, in Mr.. Whites opinion. He
sees a Tammany-ruled Nation with
Smith in the white House. In that
he is not different. 1t would appear.
from many other voters In many parts
Of the country.
The voting record OF Assemblyman
Smith given by Mr. White shows him
fsvoring the opening Of saloons at Ave
o'clock In the morning. and the estab-
iishment Of saloons 200 feet from
churches and schools under many condi-
tons. Tt shows that he voted against
bills which would have restricted the
operation Of saloons. and which would
have made more easy the conviction OF
ssioon-keepers who violated the laws.
Mr.. White in his statement refers TO
the fact that Gov. Smith. in an inter-
view published In the New York Times
In 1928. said he would like once again
10 put his foot on the brass rail Of a
ssioon and blow the froth OF the beer.
Mr.. White also refers TO the fact that
i,ast before the Houston convention Gov.
Smith said. In reply to a question. ne
had not changed his mind about pro-
hibition.
In fairness TO Gov. Smith. his most
recent statement regarding the saloon
contained IN his telegram TO the Demo-
cratic national convention after his
nomination, may be quoted. In tina;
telegram Smith said
Common honesty compels US TO ad-
nit that corruption of law enforcement
oficiais. bootIeegiraS and lawlesSness are
now prevalent throughout this country
ana satisfied that without returning To
the old evils that grew from the sa-
loon. which years ago ! held and still
hold was and ought always TO be de-
funct institution in this country. by
the application Of the Democratic prin..
cipIes of local self-government and
States rights. We can secure real tenn
perance respect for Law and eradica-
ton Of the existing evils.
Gov Smiths declaration In this tele-
gram that years ago" he held the ss'
loon should be a defunct institution
does not jibe With the legislative rec
ord Of ASsemblynan Smith, set forth
by Mr. White But many years have
passed since that legislative record was
made, seventeen or eighteen years a.
o matter Of fact. and Gov Smith may
well have changed his mind In regard
to the saloon In that interval. II Ia
clear from his telegram 70 the Hois'
ton convention. however. that he has
in mind a modification Of the laws 70
as TO permit the sale OF liquors In those
States which demand IL. II not by
means Of the saloon. then how7 Gov
Smith. ii appears, should be- more sx-
plieis.
- 1890 -
After making mis- Journey back from