The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-06-22

never have been put into the con- stitution. It Is unavoidable. at- tackled it from the time 1t was first proposed and prophesied its failure and stated that it would be proved to be the greatest curse ever put over on an unsuspectlng people. T fought it when it was un- 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 weapon of narrow minded intolerance was turned against me. l carried the banner when the army was small, the strikers numerous and the op- position bitter. I was then and l am now for the unconditional re- peal of the 18th amendment. The Volstead act should at once be amended by scientifically cor- rect definition that will permit sale of beverages of reasonable alcoholic content. The people of the United States are entitled to this relief which will divert the profits of the bootlegger into legitimate taxes" Smith declared he would go be- fore the convention, if necessary, to battle for the election as perman- ent chairman of JoYett Shouse, who is opposed tby the Roosevelt group. He also said he had no second choice for the presidential nonnin- ation and that he was leading fight against "stop Smith" move ment which he said began q year and a half ago. He refused to answer whether he, would support the ticket in the coming campaign regardless of the person nominated. Mayor Frank Hague. of Jersey City, N. J., was designated by Smith as his convention floor lead CT. :,
 For 20 minutes Smith answered a running fire of questions.
 "Do you favor putting a plank in the platform for immediate re- vision of the Volstead actT' he was asked.
 "Yes," he replied. "The one half of one per cent. Definition IS an arbitrary one written in there by the Anti-Saloon league"
 "Will you sumbit such plank to the resolutions committeeE "If nobobdy else does. l will" twill you personally urge 1t be- fore the convention if necessary
 "The convention is week away; why anticipate?" "Who's going to be the nomi- nee?"
 '.The convention will decide" Smith replied. smiling. ..
 "Who Is your preference Tor the nomination." :.
 Alfred F. Smith of New York" l Are you for Jouett Shouse Tor | permanent chairman?"
 "Yes, sir"
 Would you take the floor for him?" T doubt if that will be neces- sary." .,,
 "Yes, sir"
 "What do you think of Roose- vents claim of getting the nomin. ation on the first ballot?"
 That's just a little ballyhoo.".
 "In New York you called it c bedside story"
 same thing. a bed time story is modified balIyhoo."
 "Can you say how many votei in the New York delegation yol expect to get?"
 No" :.
 What kind of platform d' you advocate?"
 "one that is short. concise. ant understandable"
 Tt is being said that you arr merely a part of stop Roose vent movement and are lendini lyour name for that purpose.
 "Nothing to 1t. I'm combattinl a stop Smith movement that com menced a year and half ago."
 What are your reasons TO opposing Roosevelt?"
 T want myself nominated"
 If you don't get the nomination do you think Roosevelt will?"
 "I have no ideas on that sub feet. I never think of defeat"
 "Who Is your second choice?" T haven't got any second choice |. I'm for myself alone"
 DO you think the two-third rule will be abrogated?" , 'I don't think it will"
 "WilI you support the nomine
 of this convention" he was asked smith eyed his questioner q , instant, and then said:
 Tt is not necessary to talk apot { smith said he was interested
 economic questions and could nt [ say what he would urge on tn
 convention until he saw the repol I of the resolutions committee. II < said he was not for a bonus pianl
 What do you think the part |, should do to insure democrat victory?" i. "Write an honest, clear, eoncii ! platform and nomipate me" How many ballots will 1t take
 "That depends on how fast tf 1 delegates can think"