Evening star., 1932-03-13
DIXIE DEMOCRATS
PROVE APATHET|C
Roosevelt Seems First Choice
OF Southern States, With
Baker Second.
BY DAVID LAWRENCE.

! Special Dispatch to The Star.
SPARTANBURG, S. c.. March 12.-
Political currents are not running very
deeply this year in the South, Judging
from what one finds in this State, which
doubtless is typical of the region.
The interest in the outcome of the
Democratic presidential race is Just as
much characterized by unbounded curl
| oSlty as IN pre-convention days of other
campaigns, but somehow there is not
tne abiding conviction about the merit
OF candidates, nor is there any feeling
that the men mentioned for the Demo-
cratic race possess the attributes Of a
Moses in these days of bewilderment
and depression.
If anybody's name stands out, it is
tnat OF Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt Of
New York, who in the last few days es-
pecially has come to be looked upon as
more likely winner than anybody else
particularly since the rather casual
attitude toward the contest which Al
Smith has displayed thus far is reflected
In the results Of the New Hampshire
primaries.
Baker Also Stands Out.
The only other man who Is talked
| about very much Is Newton D. Baker.
There is distinct admiration for him
here, as this might be said to be one OF
the old Wilson States, and there is no
doubt that the former Secretary of
War in the Wilson cabinet is regarded
as the natural heir of Woodrow Will
sons prestige Among the business
men the mention of Mr.. Baker evokes
considerable interest, but the truth is
neither the Roosevelt nor Baker boom
has excited very much real activity,
though each has his admirers and ag-
gressive supporters.
The most amazing thing is the
apathy which exists. Presidential poll
tics has always brought its vital issues
and has stirred up enthusiasm for can
didates, but this year reveals passive
attitude on the part of the rank and
file that may or may not be significant
Of the kind Of national campaign the
country is to witness
One explanation. of course, Is that
the Hoover administration has lost so
much ground that the organization
leaders of the Democratic party are
taking it for granted that any Demo-
crat nominated is sure to win the elec-
ton.
See Democratic Victory.
There is no urge, for instance to see
nominated some man of unquestioned
executive ability or some one who shall
have this or that qualification essential
to the economic recovery of the country.
The point of view is merely that this
is a Democratic year and that Franklin
D. Roosevelt has been twice elected
Governor of New York State, that he
is not as wet as AL Smith or Gov.
Ritchie of Maryland and that he is far
in the lead in other States. It's a sort
Of bandwagon psychology. which usu-
ally comes at convention time, but
which has come much earlier in this
race Of 1882.
If anybody in the North thinks the
Roosevelt movement can be blocked by
the tactics pursued thus far, namely,
the projection of former Gov Smith in
the race, it has, of course, had no de-
terrent effect down here, but rather has
strengthened the Roosevelt chances.
Unconvinced by Garner.
Surveying political sentiment gen.
orally, it must also be added that there
are no deep cleavages and that a dark
horse like Speaker Garner would have
no difficulty winning delegates here