Evening star., 1932-09-16
WASHINGTON OBSERVATIONS
BY FREDERIC WILLIAM VILE.

Politicians In both parties are arrang-
ing to possess themselves of the most
minute and reliable information re-
garding the impression Gov. Roosevelt
creates upon the Western farming coun-
try. Astute observers, Democratic and
Republican alike, believe that the Gov
ernor's swing across the trans-MisSis-
sippi region is going to make or break
him as far as the West IS concerned
and thus decide his fate in November
1t is too early to assess the effects OF
his Topeka speech and its six agricul-
tural points. Certainly In those numer-
GUS sections where the Federal Farm
Board Is in bad odor the Rooseveltian
slams at that unfortunate body will
make hit and probably votes. One
OF Washington's foremost authorities
on farm politics recently interviewed
Gov. Roosevelt at Albany. The caller
came away with the conviction that the
Democratic nominee at that time-a
month ago-was devoid of anything sa-
voring Of farm relief program. Well,
that at least can no longer be main
tained. "F. D. R." has nailed his colors
to the mast for all the world to see, and
Republican leaders admit that while on
many counts they can be shot to pieces
the Topeka speech is an adroit, vote
making document.
His opponents invasion Of the corn
and wheat belts has at any rate prompt
ly determined President Hoover to
counter ATTACK with minimum OF de-
lay. Definite plans have been made for
the President to tackle the farm prob
lem In a reply speech early In October
West Branch, Iowa. his birthplace, has
been suggested as an ideal setting for
it, but Kansas City, Minneapolis or
Chicago may be finally selected. Senti-
mental reasons would govern the choice
of Mr.. Hoover's native heath, in the
heart of the distressed agricultural re-
gion. The urgency Of speedy and force
full rejoinder to Gov. Roosevelt's farm
plea Is recognized. 1t Is, of course, to
the coast-to-coast radio audience that
the Republican nominee will address
himself, Miwestern platform merely
serving as local color. Beyond all
shadow of a doubt, 1t is what happened
in Maine on September IL that has
changed the Presidents mind about
conducting q stay-at-home campaign.
His present mood, greatly to the graft
f1cation of the G. Q. T. managers, Is 10
peel off his coat, roll up his sleeves
is not a William Jennings Bryan. He
Is no rabble-rouser. But no one ever
proved more concluSively than Bryan
himself that rabble- -rousing and vote
getting aren't synonomous.
There are no two ways about 1t.
This Huey Long person is no, sloucn
of a politician. His feat in bowling
over within two years both OF Louisi-
ana's veteran Democratic Senators.
Ransdell and Broussard, In succession
is one Of the most impressive achieve
ments Of its kind on record. Inc
touseled redhead's triumph IN TINS
weeks senatorial and congressional
primaries in Louisiana follows close
upon Longs victory for Mrs: Caraway
in the Arkansas senatorial primary ana
his colorful success in seating his dele
cation at the Chicago Democratic
Convention. Party Leaders acknowieoge
with q wry face that the Kingfish has
rot to be reckoned with from now on.
whatever they and the country at large
think of his rough and rowdy ways.
That he would be one OF the powers
behind q Roosevelt throne at WASH
ington can be put Gown as cer-
tainty. That his prominence IN the
Roosevelt movement gals many Dem
ocrats Is no less sure.
Il
With every State primary, evidence
piles up that what Democratic Chair.
man Jim Farley calls "forest-f1re OF
revolt" against the "ins" continues to
rage. Broussard Of Louisiana Is now
the fourth incumbent United States
Senator to fail Of denomination this
year, taking his place alongside his dis
comflted brethren, Morrison Of North