Evening star., 1931-12-23
DEMOCRATS FACE
CONFUSING ISSUES
Attitude Toward Prohibition
Expected to Be Decided at
Jackson Day Dinner.
BY MARK SULLIVAN.

The Democratic situation, as re-
spects both the presidential nomination
and the attitude to be taken on prohi-
bition, is just now in a condition SO
complex as to be puzzling to those who
give all their time to Democratic poll
tics. They say the next opportunity
for light will occur when the Democrats
come together in Washington early in
January for the Jackson day dinner
and the meeting of the National Com
mttee.
Several major Democratic leaders In
wet Northeastern States have been in
creasingly hesitant to let Gov. Roose-
velt of New York get the partys presi-
dental nomination. Their criticism of
him is chiefly that he seems not sufi-
GENTLY fortnight in opposition to pro-
hibltion. These leaders plan in large
part to have the delegates from these
Northeastern States be for Gov. Ritchie
OF Maryland. 1t turns out however
that in most of these States Gov
Rttchie would not be able to carry the
primaries in a contest against Gov,
Roosevelt.
Where the delegates are not chosen
In popular primaries, or where the nri
maries are perfunctory, the leaders can
readily arrange that the delegates be
for Ritchie. Doubtless, New Jersey
would be for Ritchie because of the close
grip which the leaders have on the
Democratic organization and rank and
file of that State.
Voters Very Wet.
It is quite certain, however. that in a
primary contest confined to Roosevelt
and Richie Roosevelt would carry the
large State Of Pennsylvania and prob
ably Massachusetts, Connecticut and
some other New England States. The
Democratic voters OF these States are
wet and very wet. They are also. how
ever, eager for party success in the cleo
ton. They regard Gov. Roosevelt as
wet enough" and they think Roose-
Velt for geographical and other reasons,
promises success in the election.
This condition suggests a Question
about several developments which must
come to the surface fairly soon. If Gov.
Roosevelt and his friends care to stirnu-
late popular primaries in the Northeast
ern States, and if they make a real
'nurrah' about the contest they can
Win most Of the delegates for Roaso-
FeIt as against RitChie. Consequently
the flrSt question is whether Coy. Roose
Velt, his friends and managers will
make use OF the primaries for a thor
oughgClng contest
Ihere Is one man who could win the
uelegateS away from Roosevelt in prar-
IlcalIy every Northeastern State. That
IS eX-Gov. Smith At this time almost
nobody believes that ex-Gov, Smi+1 ~
pectS 10 or wants TO enter the race for
the Democratic presidential nomiua-
ton.
All Up to "AI"
Yet, lacking the entry Of GOV. Smiths
name. it would seem fairly simple for
Roosevelt, if he and lis friends are
energetic enough. to get most of the
oe!egateS from the territory east of
ONO. This speculation would seem to
come down to whether eX-Gov, Smith
IS sutilciently jealous in his disacproval
OF puSSyioOting on prohibition" TO be
willing to let his name be entered in
the primaries for tie sake of further
ing his views.
Fundamentally. the variable factor in
the Democratic situation is what to do
ABOUT prohibition. One line Of thought
laFors c!ean-Cut stand against the
eighteenth amendment. Another line
1aVorS silence on prohibition and
presidential campaign foygEt wholly on
economic issues. At this moment, the
latter line of thought seems growing.
The situation Just now is battling TO
the most experienced Democratic lead
ers. 1t is made further complex by the
recent coming forward OF organized
Nationwide support for Newton D
Baker of Ohio. Judgment about
Bakers weight in the race. as well as
all other aspects of the situation. will
crystalline wien the Democrats meet il:
Washington January g.