Evening star., 1937-05-05
WASHINGTON OBSERVATIONS
BY FREDERIC WILLIAM VILE.

Three neighboring Southern States
North Carolina, South Carolina and
Georgia-give promise of becoming
arenas of interesting political battles in
1888. Combat will revolve around the
respective ambitions of Senator Robert
R. Reynolds, Ellison D. Smith and
Walter F. George to succeed themselves.
The contests will be waged in Democratic
primaries, nomination in each case being
as good as a certificate of election Rey-
nolds probably has the easiest sailing,
although North Carolina's other Bob"
Representative Doughton, is periodically
named as an aspirant. The seasoned
ways and means chairman has so estab-
lished place in the House that there's
doubt Of his readiness to risk it in
senatorial campaign. He might not en-
counter good shedding if the revenue situ-
alton should condemn him to enact the
role of sponsoring higher taxes, which
would hit North Carolina. generous
Treasury contributor, in vital spots.
Reynolds was elected In 1882 in the
teeth of almost unanimous press op-
position. Next year, perhaps because
he's meantime become contributor of
Washington news to more than 100 State
papers, the Senator thinks Tarheel edi-
torial sentiment will be Overwhelmingly
in his favor. AS an ardent proponent
of the court program, Reynolds basks in
RooSeveltian graces.
Farther down the coast, in contrast
to North Carolina, the Supreme Court
issue bulks conspicuously in the sena-
torial picture. In South Carolina Cot
ton Ed" Smith, out-and-out anti-New
Dealer, Is almost sure to be opposed by
Gov. Olin D. Johnston, carrying White
House colors, with Smith seriously handi-
capped by his opposition to the judiciary
program and other administration meas
ures. Smith, second ranking member of
the Senate, is up for sixth term.
Though a famed vote-getter the Dixie
veteran faces fight for his political
life. Georgia may be the scene Of a
three -cornered primary struggle Both
Gov. Ed Rivers and former Gov. Gene
Talmadge are possible rivals of Senator
George. The latter, like Smith Of South
Carolina, because Of his opposition to
court-packing, can hardly hope for
AsoooS'SAV-A oAACy bdChlllS, "llASAA WouiN
PROBABLY be at Rivers disposal. Should
Talmadge enter the race, he and Rivers
might divide the Democratic vote to
an extent that would leave the Senator
out in front. George is one Of the brains
of the Senate. Should he 60 with the
wind, It would be q real loss to the
Democratic majority.
Speaking Of China, it didn't escape
notice that Secretary of Commerce
Roper's recent dinner, at which the
Ambassadors of Soviet Russia and Japan
were ranking honor guests, was given in
the Chinese room" of the Mayf1ower
Hotel. Ambassadors Troyanovsky ard
Saito happen to be cronies Of former
days in Japan. Despite war clouds over
the Far East, they've remained bosom
friends here.
Presentations OF American women at
the coronation court and other Bucking-
ham Palace levees are exclusively up to
the Ambassador to the Court OF st.
James. White House and State Depart
ment traditionally keep hands of such
delicate affairs Of state, though there's
no lack Of political pull and push to
secure the coveted royal honor for
Uncle Sans Democratic daughters.
Aspar3ns prssentees must submit their