Imperial Valley press., 1932-06-22
CONTINUED From Page Il

popular to take that side of the
issue in many parts. of my own
state and in many other states Of
the union. And when every wea-
pom of narrow minded intolerance
was turned against me. I carried
the banner when the army was
small, the strikers numerous and
the opposition bitter. I was then
and I am now for the uncondition-
al repeal of the 18th amendment.
THE Volstead act should at once
be amended by a scientifically COR
rect definition that will permit
sale of beverages of reasonable al
coholic content. The people of the
United States are entitled to this
relief which would divert the pro-
fits of the bootlegger into legiti-
mate taxes"
Lot of Fun
It was a rare one act political
skit that Smith staged
For 20 minutes he answered a
running fire of questions, swapping
his answers back with speed, dash
and humor.
He appeared the substantial bus
inessman, operator of the largest
office building in the world. But
in his actions he was the old fire
horse answering the alarm with
the snort of eagerness which marks
the born politician.
DO you favor putting plank in
the platform for immediate revis-
ion of the Volstead act, governor?'
he was asked.
"Yes," he replied. THE one-half
of one per cent definition is an ar
bitrary one written in there by the
Anti-saloon League"
will you submit such a plank
to the resolutions committee?"
IF nobody else does, I will"
will you personally urge it be-
fore the convention if necessary|
THE convention is a week away;
why anticipated"
who's going to be the nominee?
The convention will decide" and
here Smith opened up his COLDER
smile full volume.
+ who is your preference for the
nomination."
Alfred E. Smith of New York.
Are you for Jouett Shouse fol
permanent chairman"
Yes, sir"
Would you take the floor fol
him?'
Il doubt if that will be neces.
sary."
will you if it is necessary"
yes, sir"
What do you think of Roose,
velt's claim of getting the nomina
ton on the first ballot?"
That's just a little ballyhoo."
In New York you called it /;
bedtime story"
Same thing, a bed time story il
modified ballyhoo."
Can you say how many vote
in the New York delegation yol
expect to get?"
No"
What kind Of a platform d.
you advocate?'
"One that is short, concise, anc
understandable
1T is being said that you ar
merely a part of a stop Roosevelt
movement and are lending you
name for that purpose"
Nothing to it. I'm combating
a stop-Smith movement that con
menced a year and half ago"
What are your reasons for op
posing ROOSEVELT"
II want myself nominated"
Smith shot back his answers Will
that same wide smile which ha
amused hundreds of political audi
ences.
IF you don't get the nomination
do you think Roosevelt will?"
Il have no ideas on that subject
never think of defeat
Who is your second choice?"
II haven't got any second choice
I'm for meself alone" he retorter
deliberately lapsing into his bes
New York sidewalks" accent.
do you think the two third
rule will be abrogated?"
II don't think it will
Then came the question towar
which the reporters had been lead
ing. Smith had loosened up in hi
most joyial style and was perfect
ly at ease.
"Will you support the nomine
Of this convention he was asked.
Smith eyed his questioner an in
slant.
1T is not necessary to talk abou