The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-04-06
new WORRIES
BESET FARLEY
AS 1886 NEARS
Michigan Is Now Foremost
Problem of Democrat
Party Chief.
BIZ United Pres

By JHtfed Press
WASHINGTON. April 6.-Post-
master General James A. Farley's
bright prediction Of a Democratic
sweep next year is darkened by trou-
bic spots on the political map.
Michigan is the foremost DEM
ocratic problem. There are appar-
emily authentic reports that a sur
vey Of New England industrial states
has Just revealed evidence that New
Deal prestige in those areas has
slumped considerably in the last
three months.
Democratic strategy in Michigan
must center on putting in the field
a strong ticket headed by a guber-
material candidate Of proven vote
getting ability. The outstanding
campaigner among Michigan Dem
ocrats is Frank c. Murphy, now
serving as governor general Of the
Philippines. Senator James Cou-
zens CR.. Mich) is up next year, but
political forecasters count him a
winner regardless ot opposition.
Unless Farley can repair party
machinery III Michigan and over
come scattered weaknesses elsewhere
he may be denied next year an
opportunity to run for Governor of
New York. That is believed to be
his immediate political ambition. But
President Roosevelt would not &C
cept his resignation as campaign
manager Of National Committee
Chairman unless the political situa-
ton were satisfactory.
Patronage May Help
Republicans regal 4 Michigan
slast November after lc -lg the state
by 10000 votes to Mr.. Roosevelt
in 1882. In local elections this week
Republican candidates took about
everything in sight. Patronage
probably will be the means by which
the Democratic high command will
attempt to revive the Michigan
party organization.
Fortunately for Mr.. Farley, terms
Of Republican postmasters are ex-
piring Some "a expired recently
and 100 more Jobs soon will be va
cart. Better than those jobs are
the collectorships of customs and
internal revenue, both awaiting de-
serving Democrats who can help put
Michigan in the Roosevelt column
next year.
Weakness in New England is not
particularly damaging to Mr. Roose-
velt's prospects. He lost Maine,
Vermont, New Hampshire and Con-
necticut in 1882 and won Massa-
chusetts and Rhode Island. DEM
ocrats carried all but New Hamp-
shire ard Vermont last November.
Party leaders claim privately that
they can win in 1886 with only one
big eastern state, if necessary, and
explain that state would be Penn
sylvania, of which they are more
confident than Of New York.
Counting on Midwest
Democratic confidence that Mr..
Roosevelt will be reelected is based
in part on belief that the Middle
West will remain loyal to the source
of PWA and Agricultural Adjust
n ent Administration checks and
o;her farm benefits. Mr.. Farley does
rot believe there will be a formid-
able third party movement despite
The efforts to rouse a Farm-Labor
rebellion to the New Deal.
II don't think Father Coughlin or
Huey Long will make any differ
ence in the Middle West" MIR. Far
ley said at his first press conference
since January. 1 think it will be a
two-party fight"
Whats the ticket, Roosevelt and
Garner?" he was asked.
We'll. I think read that some
where in the paper" chuckled Mr..
Farley.
Are you going to run the next
campaign"
I don't want to answer that. I
don't know what I am going to do
In the next campaign"