Evening star., 1928-10-28

with Hoover leading slightly IN Ken
lucky and Smith In Tennessee.
Oklahoma still seems to be leaning
toward Hoover. chiefly on account of
the religious issue. Evidences of
more party regularity on both sides
are reported out of the confusion
that has reigned In Missouri Per
sonal work" Is being done by lead
ers Of both parties In that State,
and the Republicans do not hesitate
to say they must be exceedingly
active II they expect to carry the
State for Hoover. Republican defec-
tions In st. Louis continue greatly
to encourage the Democrats.
II X X X
Not since the days before the Civil
War or the Reconstruction period
has Dixie seen such hot preSi-
dental campaign as this one. Cam
.paigning In Virginia is at fever heat,
with Smith and anti-Smith Demo-
Gratis and Republicans all organized
and at work. While some political
observers profess to be bafffed by
the situation in North Carolina, the
consensus is that Smith will carry
that State, as well as Virginia and
other States Of the solid" South
by greatly reduced majorities.
Charges of plot to put armed
watchers at the polls In Alabama in
the interest of the anti-Smith con-
tingent, have enlivened things In
Alabama. South Carolina and
Georgia show no signs of slipping
their Democratic moorings. The
battle Is somewhat livelier in Flor
ida, but more peaceful in Mississippi
and Louisiana than few weeks ago.
While Texas and Arkansas are being
counted as definitely Democratic, the
anti-Smith forces are keeping up
their fight.
Ohio, Indiana and Illinois are nor
nIally Republican States which the
Hoover managers are still confident
of carving. An enormous total
vote-greaJer than at first estimated
is expected in Ohio, where an en-
phatic defeat of Smith is reported
to be likely. Indiana and Illinois
are counted on as better Democratic
fighting ground. The colored voters
of these States and many industrial
workers, especially in Illinois, are
believed to have Smith leanings.
Nebraska Democrats seem conf
dent that the announcement OF
Senator Norris, Republican, Of that
State, for Smith will insure q DEM
ocratic victory there, while Repub-
licans claim that it has been already
discounted. Gov. McMullen OF Ne"
braSka. once ION the fence" is more
than ever openly for Hoover. Iowa
is still counted safely Republican,
but many farmers expect to vote for
Smith, cutting down the normal ma
jority. Kansas, home State OF SEN
ator Curtis. Republican vice presl-
Dental nominee, also Is said to be
surely Republican.
Latest reports from Minnesota are
that 1t Is no longer doubtful, but
that the Republicans, as usual, are
in the lead. A strong trend toward
Smith is reported in North Dakota,
but the Republicans are counting on
the women's votes to swing the State
for Hoover. South Dakota is more
strongly Republican, but the Demo-
Gratis have by no means given up
hope there. Wisconsin Is regarded
as doubtful, with both sides fighting
hard for victory. Apparently the
only question In Michigan is the
size of the Republican majority.
II X X +
Generally Hoover is reported to
have the best of it in the Rocky
Mountain States, but Smith Is re-
ported to be strong in some Of
them, including Montana, Utah and
Colorado. Both sides are claiming
the last-nAmed State with seeming
confidence. Bitterness has been
somehow kept out Of the Montana
campaign, despite its intensity. After
a careful survey the Republicans
hope to carry Utah, but admit the
majority will be small, while the
Democrats claim the entire State
for the local and national tickets.
Democratic opinion in Nevada Is
that Hoover will carry that State
by small majority. Senator Rob-
inson, Democratic vice presidential
nominee, has been in Idaho, appar-
emily without changing the Repub-
lican trend. The Republicans seem
to have the ledge" in Wyoming,
while Arizona is considered doubtful
and New Mexico as leaning toward
the Democratic nominee.
\ X *
Although oregon Is regarded by
most observers as safely Republican,
latest reports tell of unrest there.
and say there would be little sur
prise If Smith carried that State.
The battle there is a warm one, with
religion, liquor and farm relief the
paramount issues.
In Washington Senator DIN, DEM
ocrat, has shelved the Smith~Rob-
inson ticket and is pleading for re-
election as non-partisan candidate.
From the midst of much political
confusion comes the report that
Hoover will carry that State.
Hoover's home State OF California Is
still counted on to give him a safe
majority.
(Couyright. 1921