Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-05
RELIGION IS ISSUE
IN OLD DOMINION
Virginia Boilers Carry on In
tensiye Campaign to Defeat
Gov. Smith.
snnclal nisnatch d The star.

I Special Dispatch to The Star
! RICHMOND. Va, August 4.-On the
eve of the opening of the sctive presi-
Dental campaign in this State 1t can
be stated very definitely that Virginia
rs almost in the doubtful column, a
situation which has had no counterpart
here since the free silver campaign OF
1926. The State went Democratic that
year. but only after the hardest kind
of q struggle.
But for the fact that considerable
number of former Republicans IL Vir-
ginia are coming over to the support
of Al Smiths candidacy. it could be
stated very positively that Virginia Is
doubtful today. The Democratic pcliti-
cal leaders are standing firm TO 3 man.
but there Is trouble in the ranks, espe-
cially among those who are SUBJECT 70
clerical influence.
Around the camp and bush meetings
which are now in full swing In every
part of the state politics Is being dis
cussed between sermons, and some
times in sermons, and these discus
sicns have revealed the fact that many
former Democrats will this year cast
their votes for Hoover.
Religious Issue Predominates.
It is all because Of the religious issue.
In fact. In Virginia today every other
question. prohibition included, has been
submerged by the one question OF Al
Smiths religion. People well grounded
in the fundamentals of government
and reared on the principles Of Thomas
jefferson shake their heads and won
der how such a question can be ar
issue in Virginia. but nevertheless 1t L
here and there is no escaping It.
While the Democrats and Republic
ans are still awaiting the acceptance
speeches before getting their campaigns
under way in the State. the boltlnf
Democrats. headed by Bishop Jane:
Cannon OF the Methodist Episcopal
Church South, are not waiting for any
thing and are actively campaigning
This week the boilers mailed out $1,000
circular letters to various sections o.
VIRGINIA These letters not only ash
for votes against Al Smith, but they
ask for financial contributions for thu
campaign against the Democratic pres
idential nominee.
with the issue clearly one of religi'
| Gus liberty and the campaign based or
attacks against the Catholics and de-
Tense Of them. the matter Is entirely
m IN the Protestants of the State fol
decision. The Catholic vote In Virginia
/ ts so small that 1t can hardly have am
appreciable effect on the result. Al
/ the same time there are numerous
/ Professionals who would otherwise yott
j the Republican ticket. but are rallyins
( to the defense of the Catholics on the
ground Of fair play.
/ Democratic leaders are greatly con
eerned over the situation in the state
At a recent conference OF more thar
/ 30 leading Democrats from every sec
/ ton of the State every person present
/ ii is said. reported that the rehgiou'
question was the sole issue In nj
I section.
See Hysteria In Bolt.
/ While the Democratic leaders nav
/ not oppned their active campaign. the'
are doing much planning. and expec
To make the most aggressive fght u
the history Of the State. They adml
that the situation is grave. but clam
that the present boiling movement
only a form Of hysteria, which VIII al
down before November.