Evening star., 1936-08-23
ROOSEVE[T'S AIDES.
SEE HARD FIGHT
Admit Election Battle Not to
Be One. Sided-C0nter
With President.
BY J. RUSSELL YOUNG,
Star Correspondent of The Star.

HYDE PARK, N. Y, August a.
The private opinion of members OF
the Democratic "high command" Is
that President Roosevelt Is not going
to have the walk-over in his campaign
that they at first anticipated.
A group of these leaders. headed
by James A. Farley, chairman Of the
Democratic National Committee. were
at the Roosevelt home last night for
strategy conference and while they
seemed to be confident Of victory in
November they no longer were claim
ing 48 States.
These political lieutenants feel sure
the President will be reelected. but
realize that it will be necessary to do
some real battling between now and
election day, especially in those States
classed as doubtful. In their lineup
for the final big drive-the six weeks
before election day-they are count
ing on the President himself to carry
the brunt of the attack.
The President will make a cam
paign trip as far as the Pacific Coast
and according to tentative plans
worked out by the strategists will
retrace the course of his 1882 "vic-
tory march" across the continent.
May Make Extended Trip.
It is known that this was dis
cussed among other campaign mat
ters at last nights conference. but
1t is not known whether Mr. Roose-
welt has consented. There Is reason
to believe, however, that the Presi-
dent will find time for an extended
campaign trip.
Mr.. Roosevelt's lieutenants agree
that the prospects in Ohio are none
too promising. although latest reports
indicate his chances there improving.
They admit that Illinois and Michi-
gan require real work, but they de-
clare there Is reason to feel that
these States will be found in Roose-
velts column. They make no secret
of the fact that New England does
not look promising, but insist that
with intelligent and active campaign
ing. Massachusetts, and Rhode Island,
and possibly Connecticut, may be won.
Strangely enough. they have some
hopeful reports concerning Vermont.
Indiana and New York. New Jersey.
Wisconsin and Minnesota are classi-
fled as "in the bag" for Roosevelt In
these latest reports. His aides feel
nearly as sanguine about Maryland
and West Virginia and declare there
is not the slightest doubt about Cali
fornia and the other Coast States.
Also. they are hopeful Of carrying
Pennsylvania. They consider the
Presidents chances in that Re-
publican stronghold better tthan
$3.50, pointing to the fact the
Democrats elected Governor and
Senator two years ago and missed
electing Democratic mayor of Phila-
delphia year ago by only Very small
margin; also that Mr. Roosevelt has
gained tremendously in popularity in
that State; that the Democrats now
are better organized in the State than
ever before, while at the same time,
the Republican organization is weaker,
and that the union miners vote will
60 to Roosevelt this year.
Strife In Illinois.
illinois would be booked upon as alb
enlutely safe but for the existence
there Of some party strife. The Roose-
velt managers believe. however, that
that squabble will be patched up and
a united front presented long before
election day.
The President had plenty Of spare
time today to give thought TO all these
things and many others brought up
at the discussion. There was 1ery
little Government business to engage
his attention. and besides that he
made only one engagement-that with
Clarence Dillon, New York f1nancier,
who was a luncheon guest. In the
afternoon he went motoring, ss Is his
daily custom, and according to his
associates he did not listen in on the
radio while Gov. Landon was making
his first major political speech at Mid
dlesex, Pa.
Mr.. Roosevelt plans to attend serv-
ices tomorrow at st. James Episcopal
Church in Hyde Park village. In the
afternoon he will receive a DELEGATION
representing the Peoples Mandate to
End War. headed by DR.. Mary E.
Woolley, president Of Holyoke College.
Mr.. Roosevelt will leave tomorrow
night for Washington, arriving there
Monday morning.