Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-03-29
BY GEORGE VAN sLYKE.

NEW YORK, March 2e-Tammany
Hall again has become national prob
lem in the Democratic party The in
vestigations Of New York City affairs
are straining the relations of Gov.
Franklin D. Roosevelt and Tanmany
to the breaking point and are certain
to have an important, If not decisive,
bearing on the Democratic race for the
nomination for President in 1882.
AS the leading candidate for that
nomination, Gov. Roosevelt finds him.
self in a dangerous position. Rivals
from other States are convinced that
his candidacy has suffered irreparable
damage by recent developments. The
Democracy of the West and South looks,
as always, with fear and suspicion
at Tammany. 1t might measurably
strengthen Mr.. Roosevelt with his party
leaders beyond the wet Eastern States
If he were to force dramatic break
with Tammany.
But Mr.. Roosevelt's chances for that
nomination may hinge on the solid
backing of his State when he enters
the next national convention. Under the
two-thirds rule, Tammany and its East
ern allies may readily control one-third
of the delegates. The Governor has
been steering cautious course through
the intricate channels of New York poll
tics, but is not yet in sight Of open
water.
Each new revelation of graft or mis-
management in the New York govern
ment strengthens the demand of the
West and South that Roosevelt cast
free from Tammany. If he does break,
the question arises whether he can
carry New York in 1882, and his can
didacy rests primarily on his ability to
do that.
National attention is focused Just now
upon Tammany and Roosevelt and their
relationship. The party leaders are fully
aware that Tammany is due for bad
year at bad time in national politics.
With the organization in disrepute and
facing a year or more Of adverse ad-
vertising, will the Democrats have a
chance to carry the Empire State in the
coming national elections? The West
rises to inquire. Further. they are be-
ginning to question whether in this seri-
Gus situation it is wise to offer a New
York official to the Nation.
X y
Always an enigma in national poll
tics since the days of Tweed and
Croker, Tannmany just now is main
tanning its reputation for trouble-mak-
ing for the party. 1t is an axiom in
American politics that no Democrat has
won the presidency with Tammany sup
port. The Nation has a way of meas
uring the courage and greatness of
Democratic statesmen by their degree
Of hostility to Tammany.
Samuel J. Tilden, popularity conceded
the election in 1876 but not counted in,
was the uncompromising foe of Tam
many. Grover Cleveland commanded
national attention by his defiance Of
Tammany. Woodrow Wilson always
fought Tammany, after breaking with
the Tammanylike machine of his own
State. Tammany supported Alton B..
Parker, James M. Cox, John w. Davis,
Alfred E. Smith and other Democrats
who were beaten. William j. Bryan is
the exception who proves the rule. He
fought Tammany, but could not win the
presidency.
Tammany believes in its inner coun-
Gil that Roosevelt is looking for the
break The New York sachems are
prepared for any shock. They see the
Governor watching for the opportunity
which may compel him, apparently re-
gardless Of his wishes or the conse-
quences, to cut loose from the New
York machine.
Playing into the Governors hands is
the situation within Tammany. In such
a dangerous position as he now occu-
pies he may fall between factions, but
there is an equally good chance Of the
break going his way. He may control
the State Democracy even with the
Tammany wigwam against him.
Tammany proper controls only Man
haitian Island The four other borough
or county organizations in New York
City might be coaxed or driven into
standing with Roosevelt as against
Tammany, with the latter organization
in disrepute. The Governor controls
the upstate half of the party and can
hold that against Tammany.
X X y X
Alfred E. Smith, nominee for Presi-
dent in 1928, still is a great power in
his home State. He has not shown his
hand, excepting to stand with John j.
RaSkob, national chairman, as a wet at
the recent meeting Of the National
Committee In Washington. He intsnds
to stay in the picture and will have a
| big voice in naming the nominee two
years hence. Many believe he will again
seek the nomination.
Mr.. Smith is quite out of sympathy
| with Mayor Walker and John J. Curry
| as the leaders of the old Tammany
crowd now in control. He has been
conspicuous by his continuous absence
| from Albany during the three years
Roosevelt has been in the State House.
| Mr.. Smith may turn the balance for
or against Roosevelt when the time
comes for the decision. If he stands
with the Governor, the old Tammany
will be left impotent, no matter what
! it may do. The probability is that the
moral element involved in the public
wave for municipal reform might
weigh heavily in forcing Smith to take
sides with Roosevelt.
y X X
There have been several distinct
moves indicative of the drift in Demo-
cratic affairs in the Empire State. Fol-
lowing revelations of improper conduct