Evening star., 1934-01-29
H, v. SMITH ENTERS
RACE IN MARYLAND
Baltimore Attorney Becomes
Fifth Candidate for Gov.
ernor Nomination.
By STAFF Correspondent Of The Star.

Ry STAFF Correspondent Of The Star.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. January 28.-The
fourth candidate for the Republican
nomination for Governor threw his hat
into the ring today.
He is H. Webster Smith, a Baltimore
attorney. who made an unusual record
as chairman of the City Public I'M
provement Commission, position he
occupied from July %, 1880, to August
% 1888
Republicans who have previously an
nounced their candidacy for the guber-
material nomination are Harry w. Nice.
another Baltimore lawyer: Walter E.
Quenstedt. mayor of Annapolis. and
former Representative John Philip Hill
Of Baltimore.
Other prominent Republicans who
are being mentioned as possible candi-
dates, although they have made no for
NAL announcements, include Oliver
Metzerctt of Prince Georges County
minority floor leader Of the House of
Delegates, and Harry T. Phoebus, Som
erset County Circuit Court clerk
ConIey Opposes Richie.
Dr. Joseph N Conley of Frederick
County is the only avoWed candidate
Tor the Democratic nomination. De-
spite his candidacy, announced several
months ago, most Democrats still re-
gard Gov. Ritchie as the outstanding
candidate to succeed himself. The chief
executive of the State. however, has
been non-committal Mayor Howard
w. Jackson of Baltimore is looked upon
as the outstanding opponent to fifth
term nomination for Gov Ritchie.
Like all of the other Republican cam
oidates who have previously announced
themselves, Smith said today he is in
the race to stay, thus presaging Re-
publican primary.
Although practically unknown to the
voters in Southern Maryland, Smith
has been much in the limelight in Bal
timore City and is credited with saving
the municipality thousands of dollars
during his term as chairman Of the
Public Improvement Commission.
Aided Federal Reserve.
He also achieved prominence through
nine months work with the Federal
Reserve Board in Washington in the
reorganization of the Union Trust Co.
In his formal statement. announcing
his candidacy. Smith said:
i have been honored with numerous
requests from active Republicans. Inde-
pendents and Democrats, including the
Non-Partisan League of Maryland, to
become a candidate for Governor. I
am happy in the thought that these
requests have been entirely unsolicited
and originated in an earnest desire on
the part of a large number of our
citizens to have the opportunity to
vote for candidate for Governor who
they believe will administer the affairs
nf "A of 1rIt, 1ri1yr y1I 1n1y ;y,
the interest of the taxpayers.
IT am frank to say 1 would like to
be Governor Of Maryland. 1t is the
highest honor that the citizens of the
State can confer on man and if I
make a good record it will be a fine
heritage for my children
1T has been suggested that lead a
Fusion or independent ticket. but
have been lifelong Republican and
in quiet way, have been active in
the councils Of that party for nearly
25 years
Has Party's Confidence.
"I am on amicable terms with all of
the leaders Of the Republican party
and believe that have their conf
dence and respect. All of them have,
at some time or another. freely had
the benefit Of my advice and assistance,
and I have the kindliest feelings toward
them all
For those reasons 7 believe I can
unite the Republican party into an ag-
gressive fighting unit and carry 1t
through to victory.
"To the rank and file of the party
workers I wish to say that our party
has an opportunity to win provided we
nominate candidate for Governor who
will will Cd
and my associates on the Republican
ticket are elected, the interest of the
taxpayers will be paramount and whose
past record demonstrates that he means
what he says.
Il know that many in our party. in
their enthusiasm believe that the out
look for victory is so rosy that any one
can win on the Republican ticket. No
greater fallacy ever has been dissem-
mated.
I'VE cannot win unless We get the
votes of independent Democrats. and
We cannot get them with a hand
picked. strictly organization and purely
political candidate. We must offer the
Democratic voters something better
than their own party does.
Promises Active Race.
II have decided to become candi-
date for the Republican nomination for
Governor.
II will wage a vigorous campaign.
There will be no pussyfooting. pro-
pose to call spade spade and. win
or lose am in the fight to finish"
A native of Baltimore. Mr.. Smith is
IS years old, a graduate of the Balti-
more Law School, and reputedly
wealthy He served as an ensign in the
Navy during the World War. and later
was legal aide on the staff of Rear Ad-
miral Walter MacLean, commandant
Of the fifth naval district with head
quarters at Hampton Roads Va. He Is
married and has three children.