Evening star., 1934-05-06
DEMOCRATIC FIGHT.
IN NEBRASKA HAS
DANGEROUS TURN
Gov. Bryan and Senator
Thompson Said to Favor
Saxton for Prosecutor.
BY EDWARD C. WREDE..

and anti-Bryan groups is nearing a
definite climax as a result of the re-
cent recommendation by Senator w.
H. Thompson, Democrat. that Howard
Saxton, Omaha attorney, be appointed
United States district attorney for
Nebraska
A survey shows that Mr. Saxton
does not have the Endorsement of the
national committeeman, the national
committeewoman, the State chairman,
the chairman of his county organiza-
tion-Arthur Mullen-or the congress
sional delegation. but that he does
have the Endorsement of Gov. Bryan
and the approval of Senator Thomp-
son, thereby precipitating dangerous
controversy in the Democratic ranks.
In fact, even Senator Thompson
waited several days before recon-
mending that Saxton be named for
the position which became available
April %. But Saxton has the enthu-
siaStic support of Gov. Bryan and.
Attorney Tom Allen of Lincoln,
Bryan's son-in-law, who recently spent
Stt6l dl udyS III w IOll llC6OI1dt-
ing for the Saxton recommendation,
administrative approval of which ap-
pears doubtful, it is reliably reported.
AS a result, Nebraska Democrats in
both factions feel that the ''SaXton
issue" is an issue between the Bryan
Democrats and administration Demo-
Gratis in the State, and its ultimate
decision will be one Of the most i'm
portant factors in the coming Demo-
cratic primary.
Administration Criticized.
Last Summer Gov. Bryan, through
the press, made frequent and un-
friendly criticism of the admins
tration's policies. He has made fire.
quent announcement of policies which
he favorS and which are distinctly
contrary to the Presidents program,
the records show Administration
spokeSmen have been quoted many
times as saying that If such measures
as Mr.. Bryan advocated were adopted
the country would find itself in such
financial and economic chaos that it
would be a generation before pros
perity would again emerge.
Since Gov. Bryan announced sew
eral weeks ago that he would file
for the Democratic nomination for
the Senate Ito help President Roose
welt get the country back to pros
perity" Nebraska friends Of the ad-
miniStration have stated publicly that
Bryan was not a Roosevelt man."
and moreover was persona non grata
in the administrative circles and
that Roosevelt support was doubtful.
Assertions that Bryan was anti
Roosevelt became SO strong in Ne
braSka that the Governor apparently
has decided on bold stroke to find
out his standing with the White
House, and he plans to use the recon-
mendation of Howard Saxton for the
United States district attorneys posi-
tion as a preliminary step to test his
strength with the administration.
If Mr.. Saxton is eventually con-
firmed by the Senate, it may lead to
the belief that Gov. Bryan is
once more enjoying the friendship of
the President and administration
leaders. On the other hand, how
ever, if Saxton's candidacy is blocked
1t may be held a clear indication that
Bryan is still out of step with the
administration, political leaders de-
clare. Such a gesture will be taken
to mean that the administration IA
vorS some one else for the Senate.
Also it may mean that the admins
tration gives silent blessing to the
regular Democratic organization in
Nebraska.
Friends See Bold Stand.
Bryan's friends state that the
Governor realizes the present situ-
alton and has taken a bold stand in
forcing the issue before the primary.
Undoubtedly he realizes that If Sax
tons name is confirmed he can 60
out on the highways and byways
Hooking at the record" and display
ing it as proof that, after all, he en-
joys administration friendship re-
gardless of the statements Of his
political enemies.
But If his strategy fails, Bryan sup
porters realize that 1t will seriously
affect the Bryan-for- Senator boom,
and it might even mean that he will
withdraw and seek a third term as
Governor. Many of his friends have
urged him to make this move any
way.
Refusal Of administration support
for the Saxton confirmation will also
increase the prestige of the Demo-
cratic organization in Nebraska many
fold, and will particularly boost the
stock OF Arthur Mullen, generally re-
garded as the leader of the Roosevelt
organization forces in the State. 1t
might also mean that Mullen would
become the Democratic nominee for
the Senate with the silent approval
OF the White House generals.
If Mullen should refuse to run, then
the administration would doubtless
throw its support to one who is recog-
nized as a 100 per cent supporter Of
the Roosevelt program. In the con-
gressional delegation Edward R.
Burke's record shows that he has sup
ported all % of the administration
measures, while in the Senate, Sem
ator Thompson, now withdrawing
from the Senate race in Difference to
Bryan, who appointed him for the
unexpired term, has been a con-
sistent baker of the administrations
program.
Roosevelt Men Needed.
It is recognized that the Roosevelt
followers believe that the Presidents
recovery program at this time Is
much too important to be blocked
with opposing political views within
the party, and that the adminiStra-
tion needs Roosevelt Democrats"
especially in the Senate where the
ultimate success or failure Of the re-
covery program must be decided.
Representative Burke Is credited
with the support Of the labor and
farm organizations Of his State. More
over, he halls from Omaha, geo
graphical attribute In the contest, and
is generally regarded as one of the
outstanding candidates in the State
who could defeat Gov. Bryan in
a primary battle. In Nebraska, where
the President Is extremely popular, 1t
is believed the Democratic nomination
will mean election. In addition Burke
ia reDortad IN have the sIInD0rt Of