The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-02-16
SECRET SPLIT
IN c. 0. OVER
BEER IS Barred
Clash on Convention Floor
Feared, as Vets Gain
in Strength.
HURTS CAMPAIGN FUND
Dry Stand May Send Big
Contributors Over to
Democrat Camp.
HURTS CAMPAIGN FUND
BY RAYMOND CLAPPER
United Press staff Correspondent


Copyright. 1892. by United Press
WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.-The in
ner leadership of the Republican
party is divided seriously over pro-
hibition.
But unlike their Democratic con-
temporaries, when Republicans fall
out they issue no statements. For
the first time in three presidential
campaigns, this troublesome specter
of the foaning glass of beer threat
ems to thrust its unwelcome pres
ence into a Republican national con-
vention.
These differences, being impor-
tant, have, in true Republican
style, been confined to whispers.
People sometimes ask whether
there is any real difference between
Republicans and Democrats. There
is. When Democrats differ, they
shout it from the housetops. The
more Republicans differ, the lower
they pitch their voices.
Fear Convention Uprising
One of the most prominent Re-
publican drys in the party said
privately and in low conversation
that he feared an attempt would
be made on the convention floor to
commit the Republicans to g. ref
erendum.
Raymond Pitcairn of Philadelphia,
representing, he said, a group of
ti-prohibition Republicans, just
has warned national leaders that
some prominent contributors plan
to give their money to the Demo-
Gratis because of the prohibition is
sue.
National Chairman Simeon D.
Fess declined to take notice of this
warning. He said that to answer it
only would stir up controversy.
It is significant that the treasurer
of the Republican national commit
tee, James R. Mutt, is in favor of
changing the party's position. This
again is subject for stage whispers
Contributions are coming hard this
year.
An eastern group is arguing
strongly that the party must switch
to stand more acceptable to anti
prohibitionists. This group is not
composed of professional vets. It
includes Republican politicians who
want to win, although most of them
do come from the speakeasy belt.
Need Of Change Seen
In the past they have been willing
to go along on law enforcement
plank which was dry. 1t has been
possible, however, with this plank
for speakers in wet localities to dam
gle, with the aid of winkS and sly
references, a mirage of hope before
their thirsty audiences.
But some of these politicians do
not believe that is going to satisfy
eastern voters this year, particularly
If the Democrats adopt the Raskob
referendum plan.
Among those who have, in con-
ferences, urged such change are
Charles D. Hilles, national commit
teeman for New York; Daniel Pom
eroy, national committeeman for
New Jersey; j. Henry Roraback.
national committeeman for Con-
necticut, and James Francis Burke.
counsel for the national committee.
Even President Hoover's unoffi-
c1al campaign manager, Postmaster
General Brown, is understood to be
receptive toward shifting over.
Hoover Is Obstacle
President Hoover, committed to
defense of the eighteenth amend
ment, is an obstacle for the anti
prohibitionists. They realize it would
be difficult for him to change. Their
suggestion is to have the convention
act without consulting him.
The outcome of such fight would
be problematical. Delegates of states
most likely to favor a prohibition
change fall more than 100 short of
majority of the convention. On
the other hand, well-planned fight.
with Skillfully drawn proposal,
might uncover unexpected support.
When Republican leaders were
mulling over their beer troubles, the
house judiciary committee was con-
Quoting secret deliberations today
on the k-Linthicum resolution
for a constitutional repeal amend
ment.