The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-04-04

Robert F. Wagner, father of the Wagner Labor Relations Act. He might be called upon to defend the administration if Rep. Hamilton Fish, Jr., injects national issues into state political discussions. Communist Issue Advanced
 Fish most likely will take occa- sion to bring up the issue of Com munism in America. The recently adjourned legislature passed a law to bar Communists from holding civil service or other government jobs.
 Fish has raised the fred" issue repeatedly in Congress. On the floor of the convention, 1t might be the basis for state issue in the statewide fall elections.
 Although Smith has been silent on his convention plans, observers believe he will take an active role in proposing constitutional amend ments for approval of voters in November.
 The convention is expected to re- main in session through the sum- mer. The legislature has provided $l,35O,00O to defray expenses.
 Chief issues to come before the convention would permit:
 1-Pari-mutuel betting at New York's five horse race tracks.
 2-Tolls on the states barge ca nal system, linking New York City and the Great Lakes.
 3-Congressional and legislative
 4-State-wide dog racing. reapportionment.
 5-State regulated lotteries to raise unemployment relief funds.
 The convention is certa,n to bring to the forefront leading con- tenders for the Democratic and Re- publican nominations for governor.
 Governors Term heightened
 A new governor must be elected at the fall elections, for the first time for four years. Thus far, Gov. Herbert H. Lehman, has declined to reveal his future plans. He was drafted for reelection at the Demo- cratic National Convention at Phil adelphia in 1886, after he had an- nounced his desire to retire to pri- vate life.
 Although Lehman is Democrat and his party has an enrolment of 832,463 greater than Republicans for the 1888 state primaries, the con- yention is dominated by Republi- cans.
 There are 168 delegates, 92 Re- publicans, 75 Democrats, and one member of the New American La bor party in New York City.
 Thus, Republican will be elect ed president to rule the convention. He probably will be Frederick E: Crane, chief judge of the Court or Appeals-the states highest tr1bu- nal.
 Political Stars May Rise
 Ambitious delegates recall that Smith gained prominence at the 1915 convention, and consequent ly they are prepared to take the lead in important issues. The gen- eral statewide elections will be only a few months off when the convention adjourns. There IS a wide open race for nominations Tor governor for both parties, lieutenant governor, and other lesser jobs.
 The 1915 convention which lasted for five months, accomplished lit tie. Almost all of the proposed amendments were defeated by the voters that same year, so actually, the states 13,000,000 residents are being guided by the constitution adopted at the 1894 convention.
 Amendments, however, have been made under the constitution which provides that they must be passed by two successive legislatures and approved by the people.
 In view of the critical unemploy- ment situation in the state, the proposal for state regulated lotter- ies, is expected to receive serious attention.
 Relief Funds Scarce
 For many years, legislators have submitted proposals advocating state regulated lotteries as a reve- nue raising plan, but they always were defeated. This time, however, legislators will point to the scar city of relief funds. They will say it is better to have New Workers put their money in lotteries at home in- stead of abroad, and thus keep much-needed revenue in the state.
 The state legislature which ad- journed last month voted to permit dog racing in only four counties, and adopted constitutional amendment to provide for pari-mu- tuel wagering at tracks. If it does, the amendment will be presented to the voters this fall.
 Republicans are certain to propose reapportionment which would re- duce Tammany's representation from New York City. They con- tend the population in Manhattan has decreased, whereas the popu- lation in suburban areas has m- creased.