The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-03-07
ROOSEVELT AND
AL SMITH FACE
BALLOT TEST
First Clash Comes Tuesday
in New Hampshire
Primaries.
BY RAY TUCKER
Times STAFF Correspondent

WASHINGTON, March T. 49, The
1882 presidential race gets off to a
dramatic start Tuesday in New
Hampshire, where Governor Frank
jim d. Roosevelt Of New York and
Alfred E. Smith will collide in a
contest for delegates, while slate
pledged to President Hoover will
run uncontested
Outcome of the Roosevelt-Smith
clash may have great bearing on
the battle for the Democratic presi-
Dental nomination, as it will be
watched by politicians all over the
country.
1t generally is conceded that a
Roosevelt defeat will be a major
blow to his candidacy, which has
shown some signs of slowing up
with the entry Of Smith, Speaker
John N. Garner of Texas and other
potential nominees.
On the other hand, it is not be-
lieved a victory for Smith will en-
hance his chance to be named, al
though it undoubtedly will increase
his influence in shaping the plat
form and sitting in on the pow
vows which may pull a candidate
out Of the political hat
Smith Strong There
New England is, more or less, re-
garded as Smith territory, as he
carried both Massachusetts and
Rhode Island in 1923, and showed
strength in the other states
Dopesters have predicted that
the race now is a fifty-ffty affair.
Because of his appeal to wet and
industrial centerS, where the bulk
OF the Democrats in New Hamp-
shire live, Smith is given a good
chance to win
But Roosevelt has the support of
the regular organization, his friends
have done more groundwork, and
he may benefit from the suggeS-
ton that he is the strongest man
the party can name. Should the
Governor emerge as victor on this
eastern battle-ground, he should
regain some Of the ground that has
slipped from under his feet. New
Hampshire may prove to be the
political bellwether.
A triumph for Roosevelt will
send him into the North Dakota
primary, which falls on March Is
as q marked favorite. In that state
the New York executive meets one
of his most formidable opponents
in western territory, Governor Will
liam H. Murray of Oklahoma.
Murray Has Chance
Although a late starter, the pic
turcSque Alfalfa Bill" has been
transforming that section Of the
country, and his homespun, Jack
sonian qualities-to quote his
eulogists-are said to be making
a real appeal. Reports from the
state give him fairly good chance.
Thus, within two weeks. Roosevelt
must meet his most powerful east
ern opponent in the east, and a
dangerous foe in the western field,
where the latter ought to show up
well.
Even if Roosevelt should lose both
these matches, he will have OPP
portunity to revitalize his campaign
in the Georgia primary on March
%. Murray failed to file in time
and Speaker Garner disavowed a
volunteer, who sought to run as his
proxy.
Wisconsin and New York will hold
their for-allS on April 5 and
what happens in the home state OF
both Sm<h and Roosevelt may de-
pend on the outcome in New
Hampshire.
After April there will be a
primary almost every week until
May 20, when oregon voters go to
the polls. with Florida furnishing
the finale to the Democratic con-
tests on June 7.