Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-12-05
STAY INDEPENDENT,
BOILERS ADVISED.
Virginia Antl-smith Leader
Cites Influence Faction
Could Weld. +.

What is to become of the anti-Smith
Democrats, those orphans of politics
who. particularly in Virginia, swung the
tide Of election away from the wet and
regular forces of the last campaign and
turned the situation in the Old Domin-
ion topsy-turvy--So much so, in fact,
that Surrey County one Of the few
which went Democratic, wants to secede
from the State and become a haven OF
Northumberland Democrats who will
vote for anybody or anything" put up
by the party?
What is the answer to those Demo-
Gratis of Mississippi who feel that. Viz
ginia has so departed from the ways OF
its forefathers that they would have
the bodies of Lee and jackson moved
down along the banks Of the old Father
of Waters?
The answer to these questions is at
tempted by Frank Lyon of Mclean va,
leader of the anti-Smith Democrats OF
the eighth congressional district OF VIZ
ginia in a post-election commentator
to his cohorts of election time.
independence of Vote.
Stay independent is his advice, tenn
pered with some reflection on the ad-
visibility of other avenues for the ell
forts of the members of his faction
Referring to. his cohorts. he SAYS:
1T is their duty to hold together their
forces and either re-enter the Demo-
cratic organization and use their ln-
fluence TO direct it into channels which
are in keeping with the views of the
anti-Snaith Democrats, or to MAINTAIN
an independent organization. II they
remain independent, the anu-Smltn
forces will be able largely to control
- 49,
by both parties, as each will be seeking
the support of this large block Of rec
ognized independent voters. and Will pc
inclined to place in nomination men OF
character, rather than men OF expedl-
ency. If they return to the Democratic
organization the anti-Smith forces are
likely to find themselves a negligible
factor in party councils.
while my conclusions are subject TO
modification after conference with other
anti-Smith Democrats in Virginia. my
present inclination is to hold aloof from
the Democratic organization and steer
an independent course supporting the
candidates that appeal to my judgment
as serving the best interests of the State
and leaving for future determination.
governed by the course pursued by the
Democratic organization whether I shall
again enter the lists as militant DEM
ocrat.
Would Eliminate Raskob.
'In nay Judgment there are certain
steps the Democratic organization will
have to take to bring to its support the
anti-Smith Democrats.
First and foremost is to eliminate
as chairman of the Democratic party
Mr.. John j. Raskob. He is an alien
to the party, placed in control by Gov.
Smith to personally represent him and
his anti-prohibition views, who is Of
fensive to substantially every Southern
elector and whose appointment follow
ing that of Gov. Smith had the effect
of forcing the religious issue into the
campaign"
Some of the members of his faction,
Mr.. Lyon believes. will take the open
door into the Republican party, but
he does not believe that all of them, or
even the greater part of them will take
this simple expedient.