Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-06-29

head of the United States Trucking Co.
But in 1922 he was back irs the political
arena. winning the Democratic nonlira-
ton for governor and defeating Gov.
Miller. Republican, in the election In
1924 he triumphed again, over Theodore
Roosevelt, jr., and in 1926 again, over
Ogden L. Mills
Many times Smith has demonstrated
that he is not only an able legislator
and administrator with a grasp of the
intricacies and technicalities of State
government but that he has more than
a usual amount of practical political
sense. A case in point is found in con-
nection with the campaign for the
adoption of amendments to the State
constitution after the convention of
1915. When the convention had COM
pleted its work. Elihu Root and other
conservative leaders declared that the
only proper way to present the amend
ments to the people for ratification was
en- bloc.
Smith. from his knowledge of polit-
ical conditions in the State, warned
them that if such policy were fol-
lowed the whole batch of amendments
would go down to defeat. He said that
there we're lots of people who, like him
self, favored most of the amendments,
the conservative Republicans stood their
ground: the amendments were submit
ted en- bloc. and defeated Later Smith
was able TO have many of them 1ncor-
porated in the State laws separately.
Third Presidential Nomination.
In the Democratic national conven-
ton at Houston. Smith was placed in
nomination for the third time for
President of the United States. In
1920, at San Francisco, his name
was offered, and almost the entire con-
vention marched around the big hall
singing THE Sidewalks of New York"
But nothing else happened that year
except that he was gwen the votes by
the New York State delegation. In 1924,
in the national convention in New York
City. he and William @. McAdoo locked
horns and fought so long for the nofni-
nation that between them they destroy
e. the chances of Democratic success
at the polls.
Gov. Smith Is always at ease as a
speaker in any company When he is
on the stump he speaks as a plain man
TO plain people. He has a habit of as
surfing all of his hearers that II at any
time question be raised as TO anything
said or done by him he VIII stand by
and furnish proof that he Is right in
his statements, or explain the reasons
for his acts. When he appears before
more select bodies chambers of COM
merce or constitutional convention
Smith speaks as an expert TO experts.
He sets forth his views with great clar-
ity, showing his mastery of his subject
and his fiuency In presenting 1t. He
can hold the respectful attention Of
r. Gzae [Nve zse
is that he has not been in the habit OF
talking If he is not familiar with his
subject.
State Papers Models.
His state papers are regarded as mod
els of clarity They never leave any
doubt in the minds of his readers, or
hearers, as 10 what he meanS-or his
exact position on any issue involved.
He is a good orator, but he seldom uses
tricks Of oratory It is his habit to
sh, respect for the intelligence OF his
audience and state the case plainly.
When the prohibition amendment to
the Federal Constitution was before the
State Smith urged referendum to the
people, but the Republican caucus Of
the New York Legislature ruled other
wise. The Legislature ratified the
amendment by narrow margin. Dur
ing the administration of Gov. Miller
the Muilen-Gage act, providing Tor
State enforcement along the lines OF
the Federal Volstead law, was passed.
It's repeal was agitated and effected In
Gov, Smiths second term.
AS soon as the Legislature had passed
the Dill to repeal the enforcement law
Gov. Smith realized that he had one OF
the toughest political questions OF his
career to face. He sought advice. Some
Of his friends said that If he signed the
bill. his chances Of being nominated for
President would be gone forever. Smith
thought it over from every viewpoint,
and finally decided to do as he thought
right. He signed It.
Memorable Message.
One of the most memorable docu~
ments in his career was his message ex-
planning his approval Of the repeal. He
wrote il after hearings and consulta-
tions. No one proposed, he pointed out,
that a state should abrogate the opera
ton OF the Federal law. He declared
that repeal OF the Mullen Gage law
would not make legal single act which
was illegal during its existence. Repeal
of that law, he said, would not bring
back ligi1t wine or beer; there would
still rest on State officers the obligation
10 enforce and sustain the Volstead law
but after the repeal, he explained, prose-
cution could be pushed only through the
| Federal courts.
The possibility Of double jeopardy
under State and Federal laws, for the
! same offense, he said, would be re-
moved He disputed the arguments OF
/ President Harding, as presented In
/ letter by the President, that the States
| were bound seyeralIy 10 enact statutes
/ duplicating the Voistead law. Smith
/ held that each state should be left
1 free TO determine for itself what Il
/ should do.
Politicians and newspaper editors
/ everywhere commented on his message
| and the effect Of his act upon his owr
/ political future.
II have no political future that an
willing 10 attain by the sacrifice OF an;
! principle or any conviction OF what, IL
I my mind, Is for the welfare and for thf
/ benefit Of this State and Nation" Gov
Smith declared,
Position on Repeal.
His position when he signed the re-
/ peal blu was that nothing could bs
| gained by retention Of the Mullen Gage
law and that the balance between thf
State and Federal Governments shoult
always be preserved
Coy. Smith has frequently declared
his belief In full enforcement Of the
Federal prohibition Law. as representing
the win of the majority. Franklin ID
! Roosevelt, hts campaign manager II
1924. assured the public that the gov
/ erpor adhered 20 policy OF full en-
! f0rcement
IL was Franklin -. Roosevelt, 81
arigtoerat and cultivated man, and
candidate for Vice President when Cos
ran for President In 1920. who placed
Al Smith IN p0rpinat ion afQE ELeelaenI
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