The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-06-14
TROUBLE IN PLENTY
LOOMS FOR PARTY AS
EARLY SCHEME FAILS
Chieftains Thought They Had it
All Fixed up But Are
Disappointed
DRY sP0KEsMEN SAY mo-
Wires to Washington Kept Hot
as Presidents Advice on
Subject is Sought

Especial to The Tribune)
Chicago, June l4.-Republican lead
ers were trying to draft prohibition
plank acceptable to both the vets
and drys here Tuesday and were en-
countering plenty of trouble.
Only few leaders attended the
formal opening session, which was
dull as such things 60. Senator L.
j. Dickinson, Iowa. gave the keynote
address to group of disinterested
delegates, many of whom did not
even pay him the courtesy of their
attention.
Party leaders thought they had the
prohibition issue fixed up after con-
ference Monday night but it evident
ly was unacceptable to dry chieftains
who were called In to look at it.
The wires to Washington were kept
hot and there were indications that
President Hoover wants the drys APP
peased. After the conference with
DR.. Daniel A. Polling, head Of the al
lied forces for prohibition, and other
drys. the prohibition plank was be-
ing rewritten.
The vets were demanding a stand
for outright repeal while the would
be moderators insisted on a plank
calling only for resubmission Of the
question. The latter plan was said
to be acceptable to the drys and pre-
dictions were numerous that they
would win on this point
The compromise plank on the
one big convention issue favors
submission of new amend
ment, giving the states the
right to decide for themselves and
promising federal cooperation with
those that want to be dry. It would
not recommend whether such an
amendment be ratified or rejected.
The platform committee, to b
named late Tuesday under the chair
| manship of James r. Garfield Of
Ohio, still must wrestle with the prob
lem. before it comes to the conver-
ton at all.
Want to Bar Saloon
One point sure to stir committee
debate is the problem OF the saloon.
The compromise conference tried to
find way to propose legal barrier
TO IL, DuL 1alleQ.
The prohibition dispute so far over
Swallowed the convention picture that
every other phase OF the big quadren-
NAL event was all but forgotten az
the delegates came together at the
stadium.
The sudden rise of anti-prohibition
sentiment here had been one OF the
dramatic episodes of political histor;.
The leaders seemed almost as much
surprised as if the waters of Lake
Michigan had risen into their hotels.
and the rank and file was left gasp
ing at the tumble of developments.
Second place in the speculation and
concern of leaders and delegates was
held by the question Of the vice preSi-
dency. Not only does murmur OF
opposition to the denomination OF
Curtis run through many delegations.
but Charles G. Dawes statement OF
remuneration in Washington yesterday
did not stop efforts by his admirers.
Iowa went so far as to endorse him by
resolution. Texas indicated 1t might
be for him and Illinois debated
whether it should not press its cam >
pdlgn IN MS Oenau.
Curtis Is in lead
The prospects continued to point
toward a Curtis denomination, whe.a
nominations are reached on Thurs
day. but something at least may de-
pend on the result Of the prohibition
struggle, which must be settled first.
If the administration gets its way on
the wet and dry issue. the convention
may want to break away on the vice
presidency and pick a new candidate.
4 That everything is not entire
ly lovely for administration desires II,
this convention was amply demon
strated Monday by the delegates
from Massachusetts,. william M
Butler Of that state has been under
serious discussion here for natiopal
chairman. But his own delegation
refused on its arrival here to give him
even a membership on the national
committee.
There was no outward sign OF these
internal wars. however. on the sur
face Of Tuesdays gathering In the
mammoth stadium-the same audi
forum in which the Democrats are
to meet two weeks hence. The pro-
gram was filled instead. after the
manner Of opening convention ses-
sions, with formalities and pleasan-
} tries, and its tenure was brief.
The high point Of the business was
delivery Of the party keynote BY Sen
ator l. ]. Dickinson OF Iowa who. like
all Republican keynoters. had taken
mains to word his speech to offend nc
one but the Democrats.
The manuscript was voluminous
and the reading style of delivery dssl
not greatly become the rough-and-
Continued on page seven)