The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-04-15
Formulating a Platform

NCHlCACO NEW YOFth bOo4ON
Formulating a Platform
= Former Governor Alfred E. Smith
! of New York may be the happy war.
s;rior of his party, but his Jefferson
tlDay speech in Washington the other
Knight sounded rather bitter. His adj
!, dress lacked the warmth and cordial
pity Of past utterances. Probably the
preturns from Nebraska, the home OF
the late lamented William Jennings
|. bryan. did not please him. He cast
"a very black shadow over the political
path of Governor Franklin d. Roose-
welt. ,
There could be no doubt in the mind
of the leaders of Democracy whom
Smith meant when he saic that he
would pull off his coat and vest to
fight any candidate for the presi-
dency who made demagogic appeal
and sought to arraign class against
class.
In a statement made recently
Roosevelt hit at Smiths pet plan OF
bonds to start the business machine in
motion. He referred to it as merely
a "stop-gap." Evidently the criticism
riled the happy warrior. He was not
in good humor at the dinner. Roose-
velt's political strategists kept their
presidential entry away from the
baleful influences of the WASH
ington pow-wow where such pres
idential aspirants as Smith. Byrd,
Richie and others passed in review.
Roosevelt avoided the function on
plea Of a previous engagement.
The Democrats are engaged In
formulating platform which will
catch the popular fancy. Smith urges
more public debt to force prosperity
He would forget the debts owed to
Uncle Sam for 20 years. For every
million of trade these debtors give the
United States, Smith would credit
twenty five per cent of the bill on the
war debts. This is new and fantas-
teal. but it might be popular with in
<iustrial centers. Economically, the
plan has many obstacles. The Demo-
Gratis have always cried out against
tariff subsidies to manufacturers and
other interests. Now Mr.. Smith pro-
poses a as per cent bonus to all ma
tions owing lis money II they will only
trade with us. He does not tell the
voters what these foreign nations
will use for money. Neither does he
mention that any cancellation Of war
debt means more taxes for our own
people.
Byrd, Ritchie and Smith In their
addresses at the jefferson dinner ad-
vocated some form Of legislation OH
the liquor question. They all favov
returning the control of intoxicants to
the states. Congress, in their estima-
ion, should provide for referendum
on the matter as soon as possible
Gov. Richie was most vigorous In his
views on prohibition. He has not
modified his wet stand one iota and
urges prompt action on the matter.
The Democrats face most chaotic
condition In domestic and world at
fairs. It is not going to be easy tt
write a platform. Panaceas and COM
mitments will be dangerous to pro-
pose. As in the past, the platforms OF
both parties doubtless will be guarded
in their terms. All Democrats speak
ing at the jefferson Day festivities
urged the platform be short and in
simple language and that no space be
wasted lambasting Republicans. The
speakers said their sins were too OBJ
vious to need any attention IN the
Democratic platform.
Millions believe the Democratic par
ty is q way out Of present conditions
but at this writing their task Of form
ulating Z constructive economic pro-
gram Is herculean. In the final an.
alysis, the voters, II they decide ia
switch their favor to the followers Of
jefferson, it will mean more or les
q leap in the dark. Political action
may ameliorate conditions but NJ
party can guarantee relief In thi'
presidential year.