Evening star., 1936-01-27

to unseat President Roosevelt. even
to the extent of backing another
ticket; or would he merely retire to
an inactive status, perhaps taking a
trip to Europe during the campaign?
These were some of the many ques-
tions being asked as political experts
sought to foretell the effect on Mr.
Roosevelt's fortunes at the polls.
They recalled that Smith had sale
he would remain Democrat. HIS
statement that he was not candi-
da and would not lift hand tt
obtain any nomination led many te
rule out the possibility that he woulc
head a rival ticket. Some others re-
minded that he did not say he woulc
not accept a nomination.
For the time being, at least, Presi-
dent Roosevelt was silent on his one
time associates charge that the ad-
ministration had tossed most OF the
1892 Democratic platform lin the
wastebasket."
The White House would not disclose
whether the President had listened to
the address which brought enthu-
siastic applause from responsive Lib
erty League audience. Nor would Sen
ator Robinson indicate what the OFF,
cial New Deal answer would be.
Demanded Roosevelt Answer.
Smith had insisted on an answer
from the President himself by saying
well, here we are. Millions and
millions of Democrats just like myself,
all over the country, still believe in
that 1932) platform. And what we
want to know is why it wasn't car
ried out.
And listen. There is only one man
in the United States of America that
can answer that question. It won't
do to pass it down to an undersecre-
tary"
There was no doubt that among New
Deal advisers there was much bitter
ness over Smiths implied comparison
of their activities to communism.
One of the few formal replies to
Smith came from Donald Richberg,
former N. r. A. chief, who issued a
statement taking a look" at Smiths
record.
In 1928" said the statement, Gov.
Smith, as the Democratic candidate
for President, invited and obtained
the support Of progressives because ne
advocated program Of agricultural
relief, electric power development and
protection of labor similar to that
which President Roosevelt has put
into effect"
Recalls Socialism Utterance.
In reply to Smiths present charge
Of socialism. Richberg also quoted his
utterahce OF 1928.
Shar divergence Of opinion was ap-
parent in the comment on the speech.
Former Gov Ely Of Massachusetts, did
not "see how any Democrat could dis
agree with Smith" Senator Norris,
Republican OF Nebraska declared the
comparison of this country with
Soviet Russia was demagogic."
Senator Hastings, Republican. OF
Delaware said the speech may have
something to do with q severance Of
party ties" Senator Donahey, Demo-
crat, of Ohio regarded 1t as "a funeral
Grafton at the death Of privilege and
the dawn of human rights"
Senator O'Mahoney, Democrat, Of
Wyoming, called it the speech OF q
great man gone wrong" Senator Cap
per, Republican, of Kansas termed it
"a great speech. showing a lot OF
courage"
Telegrams Commend Smith.
Jouett Shouse, president Of the
Liberty League, SAID the league had
received more than 1000 kilograms,
about 95 pc, cent commencing Smith.
There was no DOUBT in the minds OF
any observers that the breach between
President Roosevelt and former Gov.
Smith had become wider than ever
before. It is a gap that has been
broadening for several years.
Once they were the closest Of CO.
workers. In 1924 Roosevelt offered
Smiths name to the Madison Square
Garden Democratic Convention and
in 1928 at Houston he did so again,
seeing Smith sweep the convention.
At Smiths behest Roosevelt was
nominated for Governor Of New York
the same year. He carried the State
while Smith lost It and the election.
However In the preliminaries prior
to the 1882 presidential convention,
the men were found to be estranged,
with Smith a leader Of stop Roose-
welt" forces. The schism has been
apparent ever since, with Smith once
referring tn New Deal dollars as
"baloney dollars"
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