New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1928-08-31
CORRUPTION NOW
COMING TO front
Democrats Likely to Stress This
Issue More

e Washington, Aug. 81 UP) in
creasing emphasis by democrats on
tho issue of corruption" was fore
seen by politicians today following
Senator Joseph 7. Robinson's ad-
dress at Hot Springs, Ark.
Robinson, accepting the vice
presidential nomination. devoted the
final 1000 words of his speech to
this issue. He tersely reviewed the
cabinet. oil and election scandals
during the last two republican ad-
ministrations and summarized by
asserting. corrupt elections breed
dishonest public officers"
Other democratic orators follow
ing suit may make much use of the
slogan Drive the Rascals Out"
which Senator Reed of Missouri en-
ployed SO often in his pre-conven-
ton tour.
Robinson, in treating the corrup-
ton subject, cited the court cases
involving former Attorney General
Daugherty. former Secretary of In
terror Fall, former Veterans Bureau
Director Forbes and former Allan
Property Custodian Miller. He re-
ferred pointedly. though without
Smiths and William S. Wares large
senatorial election expenditures.
He challenged the republicans to
explain why their former chairman
Will Hays. secretly procured" from
Harry F. Sinclair Liberty bonds de-
rived from the corrupt business
transaction in OIL" and then tried to
distribute the bonds among cab
met officers, senators and other re-
publicans of great prestige"
He extended his Indictment to in
clude local republican leaders sale
of patronage in Georgia and Mis-
sissippi, a matter that will be aired
further as the national campaign
progresses.
Robinson, following Governor AL
fred E. Smiths lead. sought to
blame the republican leaders direct
~ for such corruption. He declar-
ed this record could never have
been made II the watchmen on the
towers had not fallen asleep.
Previously Herbert Hoover, in his
speech accepting the republican
presidential nomination. maintained
that republican administrations, in
(which he served as cabinet Off
Ger. could not be held responsible
for the scandals. He laid it upon
individuals within both political
parties" and said there was cor
ruption In municipal and state as
well as national affairs.
Smith assailed this Interpretation.
In his acceptance address he said.
THE republican party today stands
responsible for the widespread dis
honesty that has honeycombed its
administration. The question
of personal guilt has been disposed
of, and In its place is the unques-
toned evidence of party guilt"
Smith sought incidentally to CAPT.
talize the disclosures made in the
federal trade commissions investi-
CATION of public utilities publicity
methods. by promising the demo-
Gratis would substitute truth" for
propaganda" He alone of the
presidential and vice presidential
nominees made reference to the
utilities investigation.
The fact that the commission will
resume its inquiry in about two
weeks and again command public
attention after a summer recess. is
expected by Smiths followers to aid
his campaign.
Meantime other factors enter the
situation. President Coolidge has
named Roy o. West, associate of the
utilities leader. Samuel insult, as
secretary of interior to superintend
many Of the nations resources. Ger
tain senators have attacked the APP
pointment.
Senator Thomas Walsh of Mon
'tana, who disclosed the Oil scandals,
strongly supports Smith. He and
Senator Wheeler will try to carry
Montana for the New York governor
on the corruption issue.
Whereas Robinson said last night
that Smiths record had withstood
hostile scrutiny" the governors
Tammany backing has been made a
target by such men as DR.. John
Roach Straton, William Allen White
and First Assistant Postmaster Gem
Ieral Bartlett. Bartlett in Massachu- |
sets Wednesday called Tammany a
"nefarious institution and said Smith
was it's outstanding man."
Senator Nye, chairman of the !
latest Teapot Dome committee, has
announced for Hoover. Uzel NJ. Nc .
Arthur, banker and brother of
Thomas Macarthur. president Of a |
corporation with large utilities hold
lngs. has declared for Smith.
II. Edmund Machold has disposed
OF his utilities connections and been
named head of the republican Or
ganization in New York state.
The situation becomes more com
plicated as election day approaches. /
NO one knows what will happen |