Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-09-18
HEADS Off
PRESIDENTIAL BOOM
Friends Move at Democratic
State Convention Today
Held Premature.
Special Dispatch to The star.

Special Dispatch 10 The star.
BALTIMORE, September 1s.--Gov.
Albert c. Ritchie moved last night to
block any attempt to indorse him by
resolution for the presidency at the
party's State convention here today.
In letter to United States Senator
Willard z. Tydings, unopposed for the
convention chairman, he said he had
been informed such a resolution was to
be introduced and requested that no ac-
ton be taken on it.
The Governor gave as his reason that
"the proceedings of our convention to-
morrow should not be diverted from the
issues of the present campaign in this
State by any consideration of who our
next nominee for the presidency ought
to be-"
It is known that the Governor was
moved to write this letter by reports
he had received to the effect that GER
tain of his friends we're planning to
present a resolution indorsing him as
candidate for the Democratic presi-
Dental nomination.
Considered Premature.
This movement started after and was,
in fact, inspired by the action of the
Arkansas Democratic State convention
in indorsing Senator Joseph T. Robin
son of that State for the presidency.
Reports also have been in circulation
that the New York Democratic State
convention later in the month may in
dorse Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt for
the presidency.
These developments in the national
political situation caused many of the
Governors friends here, it is reported,
to believe that unless the democracy
Of Maryland put forward Mr.. Ritchies
name at this time the failure might
be interpreted to mean that the Gov
ernor did not have the support of his
State in any presidential aspirations
which he might have.
Gov. Ritchie's views privately ex-
pressed and reflected in his letter to
Senator Tydings are that it Is entirely
too early to commence the consider
alton of presidential candidates for
1892 and that 1t is unfair at this early
date to call on Maryland Democrats to
commit themselves to any one candl-
date.
1t is also understood that the Cover
nor felt an Endorsement for the presi-
dency at this time would be more en-
barrassing than helpful to him, since
he has not yet been reelected an inn
portant factor in any consideration of
his status as presidential timber.
Expect Farm Aid Plank.
A plank pledging all possible aid TO
the States drought-stricken farmers
will be included in the Democratic plat
form. While the plank will make no
specific promises, 1t will point out the
problems of the drought-stricken areas
are just beginning to develop and that
the crux will be reached before the
State governments obligations and pre-
negatives under such circumstances can
be determined.
The various planks of the platform,
1t is said, are much the same as the
party's 1926 statement of achievements
and principles and are expected to be
accepted without objection.
The similarity, it is pointed out, is
especially noticeable in the prohibition
plank. 1t cites the striving of the Fed
eral Government to centralize the
powers of the States in Washington and
attacks the VolStead act as an example
of this Capitalization. 1t also advocates
modification of the prohibition law and
insists responsibility for enforcement of
the statute rests with the Federal Gov
eminent.
Republicans 10 Meet.
| The convention also will formally
nominate the gubernatorial and the
other Statewide candidates
The Republicans, who do not hold
their convention until next Monday
will have a tactical advantage, in that
they will see the Democratic platform
| first and will have time to meet and
answer the rival planks.