The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-10-23

| WaSh1ngCon, oct. 2S.-There IS 8 curious situation within the Repuh- lican party, of which the disagree mentS between ex-President Herbert Hoover and ex-Candidate Alfred M. Landon present a conspicuous phase.
 It would be neither SO curious nor so complicated except for the fact that MT. Hoover is far more potent force in the party ma- chinery than MT. Landon. Recog- milton of this fact probably will make the meaning of recent and forthcoming events in the G. O. F. palmer to the outside observer.
 With the Republican National committee due to meet at Chicago on November 5, LandOn timed his radio attack on Roosevelt for ht- tie more than two weeks earlier as . means of reasSertlng himself as the party leader.
 He felt that Hoover sought to dominate the party. There is ex- cellent reason to believe that Lan- don also suspects Hoover, despite all denials, of yearning for Repub- lican nominate in 1940.
 Landon plans to make further radio speeches.
 Hoover More Powerful
 Theoretically, a party's last presi- dential candidate is regarded as its titular leader. But the hard, cold fact Is that Hoover can control or influence a large bloc, perhaps even @ majority, of the national commit tee. There is much doubt whether Landon could control the vote of more than eight or 10 members.
 Through long years as a cabinet member and for four years as un- disputed boss of the party and its patronage, Hoover dug himself in. For months since election, while Lancon remained inactive, he has quietly but effectively asserted himself.
 The result Is that the proposed national mid-term convention of the party next year. for which Hoover has vigorously worked, now seems certain to be called by the national committee. This Is despite Landon's original opposi- tion and his more recent private insiStence that 1t first receive ap- proval of . majority of the party's representation In congress.
 William R. Castle and William Hard, the two, assistants to Ma tional Chairman John D. M. Ham, ilton, are old intimates and ad- mirers of Hoover. Vice. Chairman Ralph E. Williams of Oregon is another Hoover man.
 Were Once Kansas Rivals And that brings you to Hamil- ton himself, and to recent reports planted by friends of the former Kansas governor that Landon de- sired to get Hamilton out of the na- tional chairmanship.
 Despite the fact that Hamilton was Landon's pre-cOnventi0n campaign manager last year and also his choice for national chair man, there Is no reason for dis believing these reports. Friends and advisers of Landon represent him aS annoyed by the working arrangement appearing to exist between Hamilton and Hoover.
 Landon and Hamilton were once political enemies in Kansas. and have never become close friends. (RelationS between Landon and Hoover were never more or less than cool0
 But it's not at all certain that the Landon- Hamilton split is com plete or permanent. The chances that the Landon group can unseat Hamilton, even if 1t tries, are very slim.
 Hamilton. finding himself at the head of national committee which neither he nor LandOn could order around, naturally
 played ball with the So-called Hoover crowd on the committee. and has refused to stand In the way of the Hoover proposal for . mid-term convention despite Lam d0n's antagonism. This was not only the best thing for Hamilton. since 1t solidifled his position, but also tended to make for harmony.
 Hamilton also has carefully re- trained from any word or action which might make him seem to be for or against any mans 1940 ambitions,
 Calling All Republicans ..
 LandonS radio speech must be taken as preliminary "come-all- ye," aimed at Republicans and a prelude to further and more specific speeches against the New Deal. In effect Landon was saying:
 I'm your standard bearer. Here's the standard. Rally around,
 boys and girls. and we'll sock the enemy. I'm your leader - not Hoover"
 That Landon regards himself as Q liberal and Hoover as a conServ- ative may also prove to be a significant fact in the months be- fore the Republicans have that convention.
 tCopyright, 1887, NEA Service, Incl 
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