Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-06-07
Mr.. Raskob, Mortgage.

iC 1bEDAIiAAdA ANnVAOLA0A SOAA1AAlAUuNNl
through its Publicity Bureau, appar-
emily is seeking to make John J. Raskob,
chairman of the Democratic National
Committee, a national issue. The latest
statement sent out by the G.. o. P.
organization and presented as an inter-
view with Senator Hatfield of West
Virginia, calls attention to the fact
that in the latest report submitted to
the clerk of the House of Representa-
tives the treasurer of the Democratic
National Committee shows receipts
totaling $41,72 for the three months
period ending May 81. OF that amount
$40, 1000 is listed as loans from Mr.
Raskob. The Republicans call atten-
ton to the fact that these advances
made by Mr.. Raskob to the Democratic
national organization increased the
total amount owed Mr.. Raskob by the
committee to almost $500, 900. or $295,
$50. And in conclusion the Republican
statement says: Thus 1t is seen thai
Mr.. RaSkob is steadily increasing the
size of the mortgage which he holds
upon the once proud party OF Jefferson
and Jackson"
Can it be that the G. o. P. is regard
ing with jealous eyes the heavy contri-
buttons made by the angel Of the
democracy, Mr.. Raskob? Is 1t remem-
bering that once upon time Mr. Ras-
kob supported Republican candidates
for President? Or is the purpose of the
Republicans merely to stir up strife, il
| they can, among the Democrats them
selves? Already there has been violent
Democratic criticism of the fact that
so great a sum of money is owed by the
party to a single man, the chairman OF
the Democratic National Committee
This criticism has come from the ultra
drys in the party, who dislike Mr.
Raskob because of his devotion to the
wet cause. They have even charged
that Mr.. RaSkob is far more interested
in repeating the national prohibition
amendment and restoring to the individ.
Ial States the control of liquor traffic thar
he is in the success of the Democratic
party. There are other elements in tbs
Democratic party which have criticized
the so-called mortgage holding" Mr.
Raskob, among them Democrats who
do not like the idea that the next presi-
Dental nomination of the Democratic
party may be dominated by the Raskot
group. which includes Alfred E. Smith
who placed Mr.. Raskob in his preSen
national Craftsmanship. Some of Tho
anti-Raskob Democrats are supporter!
Of the presidential boom of Gov. Richie
| of Maryland, wettest of the vets, whom
they fear Mr.. Raskob and the New Yorl
Democrats may push aside for another
with Mr.. Raskob at the helm, has
financed an organization which has
prodded the G. o. P. day in and day
out for about two years 1t is no wonder
that the Republicans are aroused over
the barbs that have been aimed at the
Elephants hide So when they find op-
portunity the Republicans quite natu-
rally take pot shots at the Democratic
national organization. 1t does not seem
possible that, with the economic condi-
tons of the country the tariff, prohibit
ton and a number of other important
matters such as the power problem
looming as issues in the coming national
campaign, the Republicans really ex-
pect to make Mr. Raskob and his con-
tributions to his irritating organization
major issue in that campaign. AS
each Democratic nominee for President
usually picks his own manager for his
campaign, unless all signs fail, Mr.
Raskob is to drop out of the picture to
a very considerable extent after the next
Democratic National Convention. How
ever, the G. O. P. Committee NAV be
able to stir strife among the Democrats
by such attacks on Raskob. And strife
among the Democrats is the breath of
life to the G. o. P.