Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1928-07-15
PRIMARIES TO
SHOW SMITHS
FOE STRENGTH
National Politics To
Play Big Role In
Texas; C. G. P. Plans
To Capture State

DALLAS, Texas, July 14.%R1-So
closely arc state and national poll
tics in Texas intertwined this yea
that the statewide democratic pri-
maries, July % and August IS,
should give a better indication of
what the voters will do in the presi-
Dental election than anything that
has happened thus far.
In past presidential election years
a belief that Texas would 60 repub-
lican would gain about as much ere
dence as a prediction that Pennsyl-
vania would be in the democratic
column. Texas is one Of the ten
rock-ribbed southern states, and 1t
never has cast its electoral vote for
a republican nominee for the presi-
dency.
Even in state politics, Texas has
always been true TO its democratic
heritage. In 1924 when the party
was torn asunder by the ku KluX
Khan issue and "Fergusonism," Mrs.
NJ. A. Ferguson was elected governor
By a comfortable majority over her
G.. o.. p. opponent.
Seek To Make State 6. o. +.
But despite their seemingly hope
less task, Texas republicans are
making a supreme effort this year
and they are being assisted by no
inconsiderable portion of democrats,
who have revolted az their party's
nomination of Governor Alfred h.
Smith.
Most OF the leaders OF the party OF
jefferson have swung into line, but
a few have rebelled against the ediet
of the Houston convention. Among
these are ThomasB Love Of Dallas,
candidate for lieutenant governor,
and Judge William G. Hawkins Of
Breckenridge, and Mrs. Edith +. VIII
man. Of Dallas, candidates for gov
ernor.
Following a conference Of anti
Smith leaders IN Dallas, the Rev.
Atticus Webb, head Of the Anti-Sa-
loon league in Texas, issued an 0p-
peal 70 democrats to vote for those
candidates who had publicly an
nounced their intention not to sup
port the national ticket. In each
case these candidates are opposed BY
persons who will support the party
nominees from president 10 con-
stable"
Political observers are agreed that
the primaries will not furnish a cou-
elusive indication Of the democratic
trend TO Herbert Hoover because so
many local problems are involved ii
the contests for governor and lieu
tenant governor.
Many Nay Not Vote
Many democrats who plan 70 20
fishing in November or to vote for
Mr.. Hoover will cast their ballot for
Governor Dan Moody because they
approve Of his administration, or
their trust in his leadership was re-
newed by his never-encing fight In
the national convention against 4
wet candidate and for a "bone-dry"
platform.
Similar conditions will affect the
fight for the lieutenant governor
ship, although probably not to such
a great extent. Political prophets
see this race, in which State Senator
Love, one Of those most outspoken
against the New York governor, and
Lieutenant Governor Barry Miller
arc among the leading entrants, ~
a clearer indication OF the way the
wind is blowing. But in this cam
paign there are those who will not
vote for Miller, a Smith supporter.
because he IS seeking a third term.
One other possibility that has
been considered by observers ~ thar
the pledge to support the nominees
VIII cause a number of Hoover fol-
lowers 70 stay away from the polls
this summer. The Interpretation Of
a~nti-Smith leaders that the pledge
Is binding only in regard to candi-
dates selected BY primary probably
VIII satisfy the scruples OF most 81
the Hoover democrats If il docs
not, the vote for anti-Smith candi-
dates Will not represent Hoyer's true
strength.