The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-10-10

0~@ " from a joyous occasion =, !. his intimate advisers.
 Inside fact is that they did not want Hoover to come to Topeka, that Landon repeatedly dodged meeting him, that Hoover literally forced himself on the governor, and that all the Landon camp viewed Hooveris triumphant ap- pearance with glun1 foteboiing.
 HOOVER SPENT FOUR HOURS IN TOPEKA, BUT HE WAS CLOSETED WITH LAM DON ONLY 20 MINUTES.
 During their private chat they talked only generalities. Hoover expressed confidence of repub- Ican victory, praised Landon for the kind of 0 campaign he was making, referred to his own forth coming speeches. Landon hs- tened courteously, said little.
 But members of his entourage said plenty behind the visitors back. AND THEY ARE STILL MUTTERING. Hamilton the Goat
 They blame National Chairman John Hamilton for encouraging Hoover to barge in on us," as sthey bitterly describe the ex- presidents visit. Several times Landon discreetly indicated that he did not want Hoover to call. And when the first story ernan- ated from Hoover that hc would visit Landon, it was promptly de- nied by Ross Bartley, Landon's press representative.
 This denial reached Hoover i'm Denver, while en route to California. He promptly de- Mied BartIey's denial and took . train back to Chicago.
 It was obvious that Hoover was prepared to make 8 public issue of the matter. So in order to prevent an open ruckus certain to be exploited by the democrats, the Landon camp made the best of it and received Hoover. Unhappy Moment
 But if his visit was ernbarrass- ing to the Landonites, it was equally so to the ex-preSident.
 Before they knew Hoover was coming, newspapermen assigned to cover Landon had arranged to give him a chicken dinner. It was to be an informal, stag affair. And on exactly the same day Hoover decided to come to To- peka.
 Since 1t was too late to shift dates and embarrassing fer Lari- don to attend with his guest, the newsmen extended an invitation to Hoover. He accepted and was seated between Landon and Sen- ator Arthur Capper.
 On the Spot
 All went well until a few mo- ments before 8 o'clock, when some of the reporters wanted to hear President Roosevelt's speech at Pittsburgh. The radio was turned on and the Presidents voice boomed into the room.
 As the President talked. Hoov- CT made acid comments to L.an- don and Capper, who listened in silence. But suddenly, Hoover also ceased talking. Over the air came these scorching words: President Hoover's administra- tion enormously increased the national debt F"
 Hoover flushed. LandOn and Capper kept their eyes glued to the table. Newsmen sneaked glances at the guest table. then looked hurriedly away. Hoover fingered some crumbs, .essayed . wan smile. But it was sad affair and, quickly dropping all pretenses, he lapsed into grim silence.
 From then on the dinner limped to an awkward and stifled close.
 Finally, at 8:30, Hoover ex- cused himself to catch his train. He shook hands with Landon and Capper and de- parted alone. EVERYONE BREATHED EASIER.
 Sure Winner
 Regardless of how Kansas goes in the national contest, one thing is certain-Senator Arthur Cap per is sure of reelection.
 The wispy, moderately liberal millionaire publisher has a democratic opponent, but his rival hasn't . ghost of q chance.
 One wise crack going the rounds of the state is that
 Capper doesn't even know his opponents name.
 Capper is an institution in Kansas. The hot political feuds for which the state is famous never seem to touch him. No orator or crusader, he has im- mense personal popularity and draws many democratic votes.
 While the senatorship is a sure thing republican victory, THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE IS A DETERRENT STORY.
 Close Kansas
 The contest is close and defin- itely doubtful. Because this is his home and local pride plays to his advantage, Governor Landon is the favorite. But privately, republican chiefs admit that the outcome is not so certain.
 They concede that if Landon