The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1932-06-24
DECISION TO STAGE
BATTLEREACHEDAT
STRATEGY MEETING
Regulation Demanding Two.
Thirds Vote For Momina.
ton is 100 Years Old
PLATFORM WILL BE BRIEF
Contest Over Prohibition Plank
Looms as Governor Out
3 lines His Wishes
BULLETIN

BULLETIN
Chicago, June 24.-(P)-Tam.
many Hall threw its formidable
strength against the move by
Roosevelt forces to kill the two
thirds rule with vim and vigor
Friday. There was a blaze of
speculation as to whether that
meant cTammany had decided to
oppose the nomination of the
New York governor.
Chicago, June 24.-(P)-Roosevelt
leaders Friday arrayed their forces in
an open campaign to kill on its Tooth
birthday the venerable Democratic
rule that two-thirds of the national
convention must agree upon a candi-
date before he can become the party's
presidential nominee.
All the leaders in the New Workers.
drive for the nomination were pledged
to do all within their power to keep
the aged rule-adopted by the con-
vention of 1882 and in force ever since
out of the regulations governing
next weeks meeting, by headlong at
tack launched even before the dele
gates are called to order.
Other candidates viewing the two
thirds rule as their principal hope of
stopping the Empire state executive.
studied party laws and precedents
and sought to solidify the variegated
followings into unified opposition.
Claiming some $50 convention votes.
well over majority, the Roosevelt
tacticians. were confident they could
accomplish their purpose and then
nominate their candidate. However
their enumeration of delegates was
disputed by Alfred e. Smith, who
would concede the governor but $40
Eight ballots short of majority.
The decision to concentrate upon an
open attack on the two-thirds rule
came out of smoky conference room
at the Congress hotel in which the
Roosevelt chieftains discussed strategy
until nearly midnight Thursday night
Commands Majority
In this as in other committees the
Roosevelt camp commands majority
The New Workers. friends contend
that only majority of the conven-
ton will be necessary to make the re-
port of the rules group binding. OPP
position spokesman. however. dispute
this, claiming two-thirds vote neces-
sary.
Another deep seated controversy,
which may have some bearing upon
the battle to abrogate the rule also
received attention from Thursday
nights meeting. Senator Wheeler o.
Montana was named to lead the
campaign to place his colleague, Sen
ator Walsh in the post of permanent
chairman.
The Smith Raskob group claims
that Roosevelt agreed some months
ago that this post should go to Jouett
Shouse, chairman of the partys ex-
ecutive committee, as part of a COM
promise that named Senator Barkley
Of Kentucky. a doughty Roosevelt
supporter, as keynote speaker.
The nub of this controversy Is that
the permanent chairman may be
called upon to rule on the question
whether simple majority or two
thirds vote Is necessary to lay aside
the two-thirds rule. The ruling OF
the chair can be reversed. of course.
by vote of the delegates. However. Il.
is within the power of the chair to
recognize or refuse to recognize dele
gates rising to put motions or make
speeches.
The Democratic platform makers
are trying to set record. Their goal
is the shortest and most concise dec
laration of party principles ever
written. In this they have the full
support of Governor Roosevelt.
A tentative limit of 1000 words has
been imposed by the Roosevelt lead
ers.
Senator Dill of Washington. one Of
the Roosevelt spokesman, believes the
controversial prohibition plank can be
written in Is words. 1t will call for
submission to the states of the ques.
lions of retention modification or re-
peal Of the 18th amendment.
Wants Concise Platform
A. Mitchell Palmer. former attor.
ney general. brought the word direct
from Gov. Roosevelt for a short. con-
else platform" Palmer joined with
other Roosevelt leaders in advocating
emphasis on economic issues.
The forces Of Gov. Roosevelt con.
troll the resolutions as we'll as all
other committees Of the Democratic
convention. Gilbert M. Hitchcock. Of
Nebraska, the chairman Of the reso-
lutions committee, Is the choice of tn,
Roosevelt forces. Senator Wheeler, of
Montana. Roosevelt leader, has
Joined the platform making COM
NllJtee.
Although hearings were called 70.
Friday. not until Saturday will the
dynamic subjects Of prohibition. tar
if, unemployment and farm relief be
reached. Meanwhile advocates OF
peace, power control and various 9TH
er subjects were on the list Of those
to be heard.
A fight Is In prospect to commit
the party to repeal Of the 18th
amendment, led by such Democratic
stalwarts as Alfred e. Smith and
James A Reed, Of Missouri, the lead
ing contenders Of the 1928 nonaina-
klaN4