The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-02-12
SMITH THROWS
/. HIS OWN STATE
into CONFUSION
New York Democrats Split
by AIS Announcement;
Jersey Backs Moore.

nfht II nominated Tor the presidency
by the Democratic national convention.
he stirred a storm Of controversy. The
controversy Is based on Smiths chances
for the nomination. his chances for cleo
ton IL nominated. possibility he may be
used TO "block" Franklin ID. Roosevelt.
who had been making the Democratic
pre-convention Campaign runaway
race. The United Press IL presenting
unbiased reports from several states and
districts whose support may make OF
break the Roosevelt-smith candidates..
The political situation In New York. New
Jersey and Pennsylvania is summarized
today.
copyright. 1882. by United Press)
NEW YORK, Feb. 12.-Alfred E..
Smiths announcement that he
would be receptive to the Demo-
cratic presidential nomination has
brought considerable confusion to
Democrats in his home state and
two bordering states-New Jersey
and Pennsylvania.
Selection of delegates, one of the
greatest blocs in the country, will
be spirited with many Smith work.
ers seeking to control them. Today
there appeared the following hken-
hood on the delegations:
New York - UNRESTRICTED until
convention time.
Pennsylvania-Divi
New Jersey-For Governor A.
Harry Moore in the early balloting
1T Chicago,
Chairman for Roosevelt
II Ia strange situation in New
York. James A. Farley, chairman
Of the state Democratic committee,
is out-and-out for Governor Frank
lin d. Roosevelt, and is managing
the Roosevelt campaign for del
egates. Norman E. Mack, national
committeeman, is un-announced as
TO his favorite, although he has
been an occasional visitor at Roose-
welt headquarters. He was an ardent
Smith campaigner in 1928. Miss
Elizabeth Marbury, Democratic ma
tional committee woman, declines to
announce her preference.
James w. Gerard, one Of the
prominent Democratic leaders in
New York, has expressed the hope
there will be no bitter fight over
delegates. He added that both
Smith and Roosevelt had the right
to seek the nomination,
Tammany's Hand Watched
Prior to the Smith announce
ment, 1t was considered likely that
the New York delegation would go
to Chicago divided with three cam
didates, Smith, Roosevelt and Owen
D. Young. This view has not been
altered greatly.
Leaders of the southern tier of
counties recently pledged their sup
port to Smith, but none is COM
menting since the Smith announce
ment. The primary is April 5.
Many political observers believe
there will be no great fight over
selection Of the delegation, but that
the fight will come over organiza-
ton when Tammany Hall may have
a great deal of power. Mayor
James j. Walker has indicated he
will do nothing to guide Tam
many's position. John F. Curry,
the Tammany leader, has remained
silent. although he has been fairly
friendly with Roosevelt.
Jersey for Governor
The situation in New Jersey also
is somewhat obscured. Harry Heller,
the state chairman, said:
New Jersey in my Judgment is
under Governor A. Harry Moore.
He would make an ideal candidate.
He has the capacity for the position
and is a good campaigner."
Moore is a close friend of Smith.
Frank Hague, the Jersey City boss
and national committeeman, also is
friendly to Smith. Hague, prior to
the Smith announcement, said he
would favor any one Smith favored.
A special meeting of the state COM
mittee expected shortly will outline
the state party's position. The
primary is May II.
In Pennsylvania there is the
Roosevelt group, the anti-Roosevelt
group and a group favoring Gov
ernor Albert c. Ritchie of Mary
land. No Smith campaign has been
started, but one is expected to get
underway shortly.