The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1931-11-13
PICK ROOSEVELT
OR LOSE, GAYS
WESTERN CHIEF
Democrats Are Warned of
Serious Split by Wheeler
of Montana.

By Scripps-Hoioard Newspaper Alliance
WASHINGTON, Nov 13.-with
Governor Albert G. Ritchie of
Maryland looming up as the man
around whom anti-Roosevelt groups
will rally in the Democratic presi-
Dental contest, Senator Burton K.
Wheeler, Montana Democrat, is
warning the party bosses that fall
ure to nominate the New York
governor or some other liberal will
result in third party.
Though Richie publicly seeks the
nomination for himself, some of his
friends have discussed him as
candidate. for second place on
ticket headed by Newton D. Baker
Of Ohio.
Richie will set out today for the
second of his campaign tours,
speaking in New York City, Pitts
burgh and Virginia within the next
lew days. He also has planned other
trips into strategic political centers.
Made Logical Man
Bakers unwiIlingness to let his
name be used makes Ritchie the
logical man for the Roosevelt
group, which is supposed to include
National Chairman John ]. Raskob.
Ex-Governor AL Smith, Frank
Hague of New Jersey and other
party leaders.
On his recent trip into New Eng
land, the Maryland Governor re-
ceived friendly reception from
Massachusetts and Rhode Island
politicians close to Smith. Their at
tlude was reported to be that, if
Smith does not want the nomina-
ton, or can't get it, they will sup
port Ritchie.
Though Wheeler mentioned no
names, it is understood he was
striking at the northeastern group
OF Democrats when he served notice /
that the west wants Roosevelt or a
Democratic liberal
Want N. Y. Governor
Several other progressives. includ-
ing Senator George w. Norris of
Nebraska, have indicated prefer
ence for the New York Governor.
But an equally strong faction, led
by Senator William E. Borah of |
Idaho, oppose Roosevelt as too close
TO 1ammany Hall. Nor have recent
happenings changed their opinion
on this point.
Despite RooSevelt's admitted
strength, recent developments re-
fleet movement, unorganized as
yet, to try to check him. Senator
u Hamilton Lewis of Illinois, has
suggested Governor-elect A. Harry
Moore a sa candidate, in view of |
the latter's unprecedented ma ioritv |
IN the New Jersey gubernatoriaI
race.
The Democrats failure to nonin-
ate a progressive will lead to crea-
ton of a third party more damag-
ing to the outs than to the Re
publicans, according to Wheeler.
who was presidential candidate
on L aFollettes independent ticket
in 1924.
Take tor Else
There is going to be deter
mined effort within the Democratic i
party" said the Montana senator.
to prevent the nomination of Gov |
ernor Roosevelt by a lot of bosses
in the east-because they think he
is progressive and a liberal
Likewise, there will be an effort |
to get favorite sons in tn Grace, not |
with any idea of nominating them,
but to keep Roosevelt from getting
the necessary two-thirds. Then !
they will nominate some dark horse
satisfactory to the power interests
who seek to control the govern
ment.
In my judgment, this move will
not succeed because the sentiment
is overwhelming among the rank
and file of Democrats for Roosevelt. !
If the bosses should succeed, there
would be no more chance for sue
cess at the polls than there was in
1923. The Democrats can win with
Roosevelt or lose without him. They
can take their choice +"