The Waterbury Democrat., 1936-06-19
Soldiers Home Loses Local Inmates With Bol

candidate other than President Roosevelt or Governor Ali M. Lan- don. Speculation as to the identity of the prospective candidate was rife as the hour for the predicted ai1- nouncement approached. It centered mainly on two men - Representative William Lemke, republican, N p, co-author of the Erazier-L -Lemke Farm Mortgage bill which has had Coughlin's irnpAssioned support, and former 0oveTnor Joseph B. Ely of Massachusetts/ bitter critic cf the New Deal.
 Word from Prospectiyes
 From his home in Westfleld, Mass, Ely denied fiatly to the United Press last night that he was the forthcoming candidate or that ne knew anything about plans for Q third party. T can't think of ally- body in this part of the country who would be the man," he said. Lenlke was less fortnight. He gaid he would support any third party move- rnent that would support his infia- tionary farm mortgage bill. It was recalled that the third party reports had their beginning with Father Coughlin, who on Tuesday received reporters in his New York hotel suite and hinted at sensational dis- closures in his radio speech tonight.
 He said then that he was awaiting the announcement of Q third party presidential candidate and would broadcast his endorsement if and when the announcement was made.
 Much Interest Created \ Father Coughlin's announcement created much interest in old line political circles, without rousing evident excitement. Many politi- clans said privately that Q third party movement based on 8 coali- ton of Coughlin- Townsend-H -Huey Long supporters could have no par. ticular bearing on the results of next Noyember's voting. This was based on the presumption that the Sup- porters are almost equally divided between the two old parties and their withdrawal from normal politi- cal pursuits would affect the old parties in approximately equal de- gree.
 But Coughlin's announcement did stir the streams of political gossip. A number of men prominent in poe litical and public life were immedi- ately thought of as Coughlin's 1nys- terious candidate. But all were eliminated until only Lemke, possi- bly, Ely, or possibly 8 man who has not figured in speculation, was left.
 Lewis Backs Roosevelt
 John L. Lewis, president of the United Mine Workers Unionj with- drew his name from speculation by announcing his unqualified support of President Roosevelt. Upton Sin- clair, California author of the epic economic plan, pulled out by the same means. Senator William D. Borah was mentioned for . while, but political experts said there was little possibility that he was the man. The venera1 Dr. Townsend also was mentioned, but 1t was not be- lieved that he could draw the unani- nous support of such an amalga- nation as the one proposed.
 From Flint, Mich, where Dr.. Francis B. Townsend addressed an open air gathering last night, a top- coat slung about his gaunt, linen clad frame, came indications that the old age pension plan founder was aware of the movement, though he denied any recent contact with Father Coughlin.
 Father COughlln Explains
 Father Coughlin himself insisted that the announcement would not come from him. An inquirer who put that question was told:
 T am Q Catholic priest and re. stricted by clerical law. As head of the national union, I must be re- sponsible for anything I might do. To sponsor Q third party would cost me my ecclesiastical good standing. But I can endorse a candidate" The clergyman had previously in- dicated that he could support neither President Roosevelt nor Governor Ali Landon for the presi- dency. Both here and in Michigan It was reported that efforts were being made to gain the support of Lewis for the third party move- ment. Tn Flint, Townsend said that representatives of the American Federation of Labor had been in- vited to participate in the CARP groups meeting in Cleveland, July 16 to 19.
 Senator Nye Out
 Members of congress were appar- ently aware of the third party movement and inquiry in those cir- cles indicated that Lemke's candi- dacy was expected. Senator Gerald P. Nye, republican, North Dakota, said he believed Lemke was "the man" and put forward the name. of Rep. Martin L. Sweeney, democrat, Ohio. as e possible vice presidential choice.
 Nye himself said he would not join the third party movement.
 The attitude expressed by Nye was largely that of other progressives and farmer-laborites in congress. Rep. Gerald L. Boileau, progressive, Wisconsin, said that his group had decided nothing definite" Rep. Ernest Lundeen, farmer-labor, Min nesota, said he believed the coun- try would have Q labor party" and that "this third party movement will bear watching"
 Lemke expressed amazement ct the number of messages he received urging him to join third party movement.
 However. I am not ready to an- nounce fiatly that will join such sec, Yale II mins.. s secs.
 .Jilnior varsity: Vale 10 mina.. 62