Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-29
DRIVE
GAINS IN VIRGINIA
His Adhcrents Reply With
Story of Greene's Ap-
pointment.

I
RICHMOND, Va, January 28.-With
the passing of another week, Smith and
anti-Smith sentiment has become more
pronounced among the Democrats Of
Virginia. and a LoWden boom is be-
ginning to get under way among the
Republicans of southwest Virginia, q
part of the State where the Republican
strength is greatest.
Anti-Saloon League leaders held a
meeting a few days ago and decided
that they would ask no additional pro-
hibtion legislation from the General
Assembly. now in session in Richmond
but that they would conduct an unre-
lenting campaign against the New
York executive. Their decision in re-
gard to legislation means that the
league. for the first time since 1914. will
have no positive program to offer to
the General Assembly.
Friends of Gov. Smith are beginning
to work for their candidate, although
Smith organization is still lacking in
this State, and Smith supporters COM
plain that they have no one to turn to
for advice. They are, however using
with considerable effect the fact that
Fred S. Greene. superintendent of pub
lie works of New York State. is a
Smith appointee. Greene is a native of
Rappahannock County. Va and is one
Of the most enthusiastic of the alumni
of the Virginia Military Institute.
Popular in State.
He is very popular in the State. espe-
cially in the northern part, where he
is known to thousands of people. His
appointment to the Office he now holds
is pointed to by the Smith supporters
as an answer to the claim of the anti
Smith men that If the New York gov
ernor becomes President he will ap-
point only Catholics to office.
The story OF Greene'S appointment.
as told here. Is as follows:
Some years ago. when Greene was in
New Jersey, he received a telegram
from Gov. Smith asking him to come
to Albany for conference. He had
never met the governor and thought
the telegram was possibly a practical
Joke. but he aScertained that the gov
ernor wanted to see him and went to
Albany When the two met. Gov.
Smith said:
Maj. Greene. are you the man who
built the - highway and the -
BRIDGE"
Yes. sir" Greene replied
Well, I want you to be Superintend-
ent Of public works OF New York" said
the governor.
Religion Sidetracked.
This is a great surprise to me-" said
Greene. Il have no political influence.
and"
That makes no difference. "e,,
a man who can build roads, said the
executive.
And then. too. am a Protestant"
said Greene.
"A mans religious beliefs are rot
considered by me when / make appoint
ments." replied the governor.
And that is how Mai. Greene Is said
TO have become superintendent of pub
lice works OF New York. and the story
is being used with telling effect in
Virginia
Leaders OF the anti-Smith movement
in Virginia are becoming more active
and their work is along direct lines.
They are approaching political leaders
and others who may be delegates 10 the
State convention and attempting TO ex-
act from them pledges TO support anti
Smith instruction 1t Is reported that
they have been successful In several
instances.
There appears 10 be a tacit agree
Sembly in session free from any open
discussion OF the presidential nomna-
ton situation II is not believed that
a meeting Of the Democratic State COM
mittee will be called until after the
General Assembly ad1ourns. March 10.
Lowden Boom Felt.
While the Republican leaders Of the
state seem 10 be still at sea regarding
their choice OF a candidate for the
presidency. Lowden sentiment which
Tor while seemed dormant, is begin
ming 10 make itself felt. Senator
Thomas l.. Felts. one OF the two Re-
publicans In the State Senate. say that
talk In favor Of the former governor OF
Illinois is being heard In all parts OF
the western section OF the State. III
eastern Virginia the Hoover sentiment
predominates. especially III the larger
cities, with Dawes second In favor
II Is admitted. however, that the
vote OF the Virginia delegation in the
Kansas City convention Will reflect the
views OF G. Bascom Slemp and other
leaders who are associated with him
How they stand they have not disclosed
and 1t Is generally believed that they
nave not made up their minds. but are
watching the situation In other States.
r. l.. G. BARRETT