The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-02-08

Hampshire state primary.
Smiths announcement was
seen as the beginning of a bit
ter duel for the Democratic
presidential nomination, with
Roosevelt's chances probably
the most affected-adversely
or favorably - by Smiths
action.
The New Hampshire primary
will be followed by primaries in
Massachusetts, New York and Penn
sylvania, all of which deliver large
blocs of convention delegates, high
ly important to any candidate in a
Democratic convention in which
the two-thirds rule prevails.
Leaves Position
Smiths statement contained
closing paragraph which might be
interpreted two ways. 1t read:
"By action of the Democratic ma
tional convention of 1928, am the
leader of my party in the nation.
With a full sense of the responsible
tiles thereby imposed, shall not, in
advance of the convention, either
support or oppose the candidacy of
any aspirant for the nomination. y
That may be a promise not to OPP
pose Roosevelt, or Newton D. Baker
or Albert c. Ritchie, or John Garner
or others who rate as favorite sons.
1t may be an explanation of why
Smith does not openly announce his
opposition now
Roosevelt forces accepted the
statement as an announcement of
candidacy, which naturally will
mean opposition to the leading
candidate.
Step From New Hampshire
Typical was the comment of Rob-
ert E. Gould, the party chairman in
New Hampshire, where the first test
is scheduled:
Il do not believe that the rank
and file of democracy in New
Hampshire will react favorably to
Mr.. Smiths hopeful view that he
will be awarded the party's stand
ard at this convention. My opinion
is that they do not care to again
have on their hands William Jen-
nings Bryan"
Smith failed to win in the last
campaign, although he had loyal
support. Democrats, l believe, will
fight shy of again injecting into a
campaign a religious ISSUE" Gould
declared.
Religious Issue Rises
This religious issue comment was
found frequently in comment by
Democratic leaders and newspapers
in the south and west.
Some Roosevelt workers saw the
Smith statement, for just that rea-
son, as something that would drive
many doubtful states into the
Roosevelt column, Roosevelt being
more acceptable on both religious
grounds and the liquor issue.
Roosevelt personally was silent or
the statement, as were other candi-
dates and previous candidates. ex.
cepting James M. Cox of Ohio. Cox
said:
Naturally there is a feeling that
Smith is entitled to another chance
He has opened the way to deter
mine just how widespread that is.
Cox headed the Democratic ticket
in 1920, with Roosevelt as the vice
presidential nominee.
Tammany Is Silent
Among others silent on the state
ment we're leaders of Tammany
hall. Smith has battled Tammany
from within. Roosevelt has not
heiped Tammany much from Al
bany with his repeated approval of
the Seabury city-wide graft inyesti-
CATION, although he has been at
lacked as puSSyfooting on the issue.
Tammany'S decision is due by
April II, date of the New York state
primary.
What Smith will do in event
Roosevelt, despite the heavy OBJ
stacle erected by Smiths failure to
support him before the convention.
was answered by Smith when he
made his long-awaited statement.
handed to newspaper men Satur-
day.
He was asked:
win you support the nominee,
no matter who he tsp"
Smith replied:
i only can recall the remark of