Evening star., 1936-06-17
Politics

Continued From First Page)
So 900 100000 Frazier-Lemke farm
moratorium bill defeated in the House
last May.
Father Coughlin, picturing the po-
tential third-party nominee as already
the author of a tentative platform, ad-
mitted it was possible that DR.. Town
send and Smith had discussed the
mystery candidates merits, but said
there was no connection between the
Union for Social Justice and the
Townsendites and the Share-the-
Wealthers.
Several political observers consid-
cred Lemke himself might become the
third-party leader. Lemke's name. in
fact, cropped up in Father Coughlin's
interview late yesterday, but drew no
verification from him.
AL Smith Mentioned.
Others mentioned included:
Alfred E. Smith, former New York
Governor, who proposed to take q
walk" from the coming convention of
Democrats in Philadelphia.
Senator William E. Borah of Idaho,
defeated by Gov. ALI M. Landon for
the Republican nomination.
Gov. Eugene Talmadge of Georgia,
frequent critic Of the Roosevelt ad-
ministration.
Former Gov. Joseph B. Ely of Massa-
chusetts, who nominated Smith for the
presidency in the 1882 Democratic
convention.
Repeatedly. during the questioning
along these lines, Father Coughlin re-
piled, 'I won't tell won't tell
you anything about him It's up
to him to announce his candidacy"
At one point he said you're getting
too hot"
He was asked:
by what process will he get into the
field?"
Announcement Hinted.
''I don't know" Father Coughlin re-
piled. 81 expect that this candidate
will make his platform public before
Thursday, in which event ] will have
time to study 1t to be sure 1t is an
honest platform before I set about pre-
pairing my radio speech for Friday"
He added he may be able to say in
his speech whether the potential can
didate is eligible for our national
convention in August"
Father Coughlin reiterated his op-
position to the Roosevelt administra-
ton and said the Republican platform
is "a step in the direction of the grave
of democracy"
If the third-party candidate finally
consents to run on an acceptable
platform" the priest added, he will
urge his election in the Friday (9:45
pm, E. s. T., c. B. s. address.
Smiths Chicago announcement came
on the eve of joint speaking tour
with DR.. Townsend.
He added there would be an "im-
portant announcement" relating to
the strategy of the claimed entente
"in about IL days" This, he said,
would be made by him or DR.. Town
send.
Democrats Map Plans.
Meanwhile, the Democratic high
command plunged today into final
preparations for the party's national
convention in Philadelphia next week,
while Republicans turned to the task
of raising money for the Landon-
Knox drive.
The giant Democratic pow-wow in
the Quaker City beginning June %
was the subject Of conference yes
terday between President Roosevelt
and National Chairman James A..
Farley. Mr.. Roosevelt, declining any
comment about the new Republican
platform, told reporters he has no
plans to leave Washington until q
week from Saturday, when he will 60
to Philadelphia to accept renomina.
ton in a big outdoor fete.
Ely Not Informed.
Former Gov. Ely, when asked for
comment on Father Coughlin's
statements. said, "I know nothing
about it."
In statement made during the
Republican National Convention, Ely
said that If the Republican platform
were liberal enough and the Demo-
Gratis persisted in their New Deal
policies he would feel constrained to
support the Republican party.
Howard williams Of st. Paul,
Farmer-Labor organizer, said he was
virtually certain Farmer-Labor groups
in that area were not backing the
candidate to whom Father Coughlin
referred.
He said he had not heard Of any
Coughhn- -Smith-Lemke tie-up, and
that there had been no change, to
his knowledge, in the decision Of the
recent Chicago meeting Of Liberals
to concentrate on State and con-
gressional offices this year. and not
seek the presidency.
Townsend Is Receptive.
Discussing the third party an
nouncement Of Rev. Coughlin, DR..
Townsend said today In Milwaukee,
I'VE are not indorsing anybody at
this time" but added that "if they
come to us with any kind of a salts
factory offer Wen consider It,"
DR.. Townsend said Father Coughlin
had not approached him on the sub
ject of o third party. He had no aap-
pointment with the radio priest and
knew Of no plans for one, he said.
1--WE can't saw what our strategy