Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-29
WOOLLEN IS READY
TO OPPOSE SMITH
indiana Democrats Predict
Swing to Hoosier if Con-
vention Is DeadIoCked.
Special Dispatch to Tho star.

Special Dispatch to Tho star.
INDIANAPOLIS. Ind, January %
Outwardly the presidential end Of the
Indiana primary May will be rather a
tame affair, with Evans Woollen, In
dianapolis banker. heading the Demo-
cratic list and Senator James E. Wat
son representing the Republican side,
but underneath there will be quiet
but determined struggle for delegates
that may have far-reaching conse-
qucnces.
Generally speaking. HOosier Demo-
Gratis are loyal to Woollen and will join
Fundamentally in the move to present
his name to the Houston convention,
but the wave Of pro-Smith sentiment
sweeping the country has made some
of them restless. 1t is undoubtedly
true that If Thomas Taggart, veteran
leader Of Indiana Democracy. had not
injected Woollen's name in the run
ming a formidable organization for Gov.
Smith already would have sprung up.
Split Party Loomed.
Needless to say, such q move unuues-
tionably would have split the party in
two, for Hoosier Democrats appear To
be well divided on the Smith question
Perhaps that is what Taggart, far-See-
ing and willy, had in mind when he
sprung Woollen's name on an unsuS-
pecting public more than a year ago
Taggart. it would seem. will face the
greatest test of his long political career
If he attempts to steer the Indiana dele
CATION through convention without
giving some aid to Smith. He was un-
able to do it in the New York conven-
ton when Indiana voted steadily for
Samuel M Ra!Ston until the former
Senator withdrew and some Of the
Hoosiers slipped over to Smith. Indi-
cations are, however, that every effort
will be made TO develop a delegation
that will obey orders this time.
Woollen leaders, watching apprehen-
sively the growth of Smith sentiment
throughout the country, are still hope
full that a deadlock will ensue which
will swing the convention TO the Hoosier
They ale basing a good deal of hope on
the South, from where they have re-
ceived much encouragement, TO block
Smith sufficiently TO prevent his nomi-
nation. They assert that II Smith can
not be nominted there is no place
else for the convention to go but to &C
cept a Middle WeSterner, and they be-
lieve Woollen stands in the best position
II the convention turns TO that part OF
the country.
Watson Marking Time.
Senator Watson appears TO be mark
ing time in his presidential quest. Pc
t!tionS bearing thousands Of signatures
have been prepared preparatory 10 fling
his name IN the primary. Apparently
they are being withheld until definite
word comes from Frank Q. Lowden
re ~
whether he intends to file in Indiana
also Lowden people were all ready to
enter few weeks ago, even 10 the point
of having selected Ed Bowen Of Delphi
ninth district Republican chairman, as
State manager, but the Watson people
prevailed on them TO think the matter
over. II is extremely doubtful. now,
that Lowden will contest for the delega-
ton against Watson
While no effort will be made TO make
Watson appear anything else but IA
vorite-son candidate there is evidence
OF lurking hope that lightning might
strike the Senator at Kansas City. For
that reason. the Watson managers are
going TO be careful not 10 antagonize
any OF The other ContenderS. II is ap-
parent. however. that they favor Charles
G. Dawes as a final choice in the even,
that Watson cannot 60 over For that
reason, every effort will be made Il
reach a working agreement With the
Lowden people SO that the former GOV
ernor can first receive Indianas sup
port.
A good deal OF comment was caused
In the State by the report from Wash.
ington that James p. Goodrich. former
Governor OF Indiana. sought 10 induce
Secretary Hoover 10 enter the primary
IN this State. Hoover. SO the report
goes, declined. Goodrich is looked or
as the Hoover leader IN the State anc
has arowed that there would be Hoove,
| delegates IN the Indiana contingent q;
Kansas City, The Watson managers
who viii pick the delegation. arl
equally sure there will BE- none II they
can help II
HAROLD c. FEIGHTNER.