Evening star., 1932-02-08

fred E. Smith of New York Yesterday
was almost unanimously accepted in
political circles in the Capital today as
definitely placing the 1923 Democratic
presidential nominee in the forthCom-
ing presidential race.
The round Of comment gathered here
on the statement disclosed no new calls
for the Democratic Standard bearer Of
1928 and showed many of his old fol-
lowers. particularly in the South and
Northwest. now definitely against him.
New York's two Democratic Sem
ators--Wagner and Copeland-were
Massachusetts,, declared for Smith.
Gov. Ritchie of Maryland. an an
nounced candidate for the nominal
ton. who was in the Capital today,
made no comment.
Robinson Sees Wisdom.
Senator Robinson of Arkansas. the
vice presidential nominee with Smith
in 1923. briefly observed that Smith
was wise in announcing that he will
not campaign for the nomination or
support or oppose other candidates for
that distinction.
Here is what they said about it.
Representative Rainey, of Illinois.
Democratic floor leader: MFR. Smith
has definitely thrown his hat into the
ring. 1 expect to support whoever is
nominated by the convention
Senator Glass. Democrat. Virginia:
Most persons will interpret the state
ment to mean that Gov. Smith is de-
termined to participate in movement
to stop Roosevelt Beyond accomplish
ing this result. am unable to see that
the statement is particularly signifl-
can't
Senator Walsh, Democrat. Massa-
chusetts: THE members of his party
who. favor his denomination are now
free to work to that end and, in the
light of his statement. that is the
clearly indicated course. Gov. Smith
is by long odds the first choice of
an Overwhelming majority OF MaSsa-
chusettS Democracy today
Sheppard Sees Danger.
Senator Sheppard, Democrat. Texas:
Gov. Smith was given full recognition
in 1923. 1 had hoped that he would
not become a candidate this year and
that he would thus aid in securing a
united party at a time when Demo-
cratic prospects are unusually bright
His nomination would again involve
Senator Black, Democrat, Alabama: ::
II think the Democrats of my State
will support some one else
Senator Gore, Democrat, Oklahoma:
"I believe the Democratic candidate
this year should have ability and avail
ability. Gov. Smith has ability, but
any Democratic candidate who lost
Texas. Florida, Virginia and North
Carolina cannot be said to have availa-
bility."
Senator Wheeler, Democrat, Mon
tana: Il supported Gov Smith whole
heartedly in the last campaign. l am
convinced however, that he could not
win this year if nominated. I am
convinced that Gov Roosevelt. if NOM
mated. can win by an overwhelming
majority"
McKellar Prefers Roosevelt.
Senator McKellar, Democrat. Ten
nessee: He had his chance in 1928
and 1 think it would now be W1seSt
for the Democratic party and the big
thing for him to do to stand aside and
let the nomination go TO another DEM
ocrat. 1 prefer Gov Roosevelt.
Senator Watson of Indiana. Republi-
can leader: Gov. Smith got more votes
in 1928 than were ever polled by any
MANY of his supporters have left him
is coniectural, and how many of those
who voted for Hoover for one reason or
another have since been allenated from
him is also problematical.'
Senator Lewis, Democrat, Illinois:
mo doubt Gov. Smith has had brought
to his attention that President CleVe-
land. nominated in 1888 and beaten
that year by President Harrison, was
renominated in 1892 and on the same
issues of 1888 President Cleveland was
elected"
Senator King. Democrat, Utah: His
statement will be regarded as equlva-
lent to wish that he shall not be con-
sidered a candidate and that some other
person shall be chosen to lead the
party"
Senator Connally, Democrat, Texas:
Gov. Smith was honored in 1928 and
ought now in the interest of the party
efface himself from the picture. The
times call for new leadership and new
candidate"
Pittman Voices Approval
Senator Pittman, Democrat, Nevada ::
There is another able and patriotic
statesman added to the list of possible
presidential candidates"
Representative DOugleSs, DeHOCTdt'
Massachusetts,: His statement en-
ables the Massachusetts, delegation to
go to the convention pledged to Gov.
Smith"
Representative Stegall. Democrat,
Alabama: Il am not in favor of the
nomination of Gov. Smith. He has a
great many loyal Democrats supporting
him and they are entitled to a candi-
date as well as anybody else"
Representative Bloom, Democrat, New
York: 4 think it is a perfectly fair
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