Evening star., 1938-07-10
NEW DEAL RAPED
AT NEARBY RALLY
Young Democrats Meeting
at Alexandria SnubS
J. B. Keenan,.
" . staff Correspondent of The Star.

- D. NCCIidlls
ALEXANDRIA, Va, July 9.-The
Young Democratic Clubs Of the eighth
congressional district, which Is the
scene Of a vigorous primary fight be-
tween the incumbent Representative
Smith and william E. Dodd. jr., to-
night turned thumbs down on the
New Deal.
=. The convention was turned over to
supporters of Representative Smith
while Mr.. Dodd, who claims admins
tration support, was ignored as
he waited in the back of the. con-
vention hall, and the National Young
Democratic Clubs in Washington,
which are close to the New Deal.
raped the eighth district Young
Democrats for their treatment of
Joseph B. Keenan,, Assistant Attorney
General.
The National Clubs had invited Mr.
keenan, to be the keynote speaker at
the convention. but the Eighth District
Clubs told him at the District Airport
that he need not show up. His speech
had been written.
I'VE are fed up with the whole
outfit over there for their handling
Of the Keenan, affair" the National
Clubs announcement read.
Byrd Urges Tolerance.
Representative Smith was joined
on the convention platform here
by Senator Harry Flood Byrd, who
urged the Young Democrats to adopt
an attitude O Tolerance during the
primary and election campaigns.
Throughout the entire sessions of
the convention harmony appeared to
be the keynote. except for the last
10 minutes, during which Frank L.
Ball. jr.. of Arlington County threw
a bombshell with his resolution which
would prevent participation W the
district group in any primary in sup
port Of ary candidate. When young
Ball first proposed his resolution de.e-
gates jumped to their feet in a storm
was adopted after suspension OF the
rules At the height of the discus
sion from the floor. Representative
Smith, at whom the resolution was
aimed, rose on the speakers plat
form to ask that it be adopted That
seemed to close the issue and a quick
Affirmative vote was taken.
Although the convention was left
sans keynoter. Senator Byrd filed the
gap with what many of those attend
ing the convention declared to be
'one of his best speeches. Other
than his plea for tolerance in the
Campaign, Senator Byrd principally
discussed the history of the Demo-
cratic party in Virginia Asked five
minutes before the convention opened
II he would make a speech, Senator
Byrd replied:
mo, am not speaking only
came here to present a prize" The
prize to which he referred went to
Mrs. jamie Abel Of Prince William
County, winner of the State Young
Democrat membership contest.
Like Senator Byrd, Representative
Smith dwelt at length on the fine
traditions" of the party in Virginia,
the part Thomas Jefferson pla yed.
and reiterated his right to vote as
I see fit"
Dodd Snubbed By Smith.
Many Of those attending the con-
vention here today recalled that Mr.
Dodd had received a definite snub
from Representative Smith at Ma
nassas earlier in the week, when the
Virginia lawmaker refused to sit on
the same platform or shake hands
with the aspirant for his seat in Con-
gress. Mr. Dodd, who has received
the blessing of the administration
spent large portion Of his time at
the convention telling all who would
listen about the third battle of Ma
nassas," when the tall Alexandrian
referred to his opponent as an i'm
pudent upstart."
Vice Mayor William Wilkins of
Alexandra. in delivering the address
Of welcome, paid tribute to the Young
Democratic Clubs and then launched
into spirited defense of statesmen
who dare to think for themselves.
Although he did not mention any
names. it was understood as a nod
pf approval to Representative Smith.
Only two speakers even remotely re-
3erred to the administration.
Among others who were called on
Tor brief comment were Thomas w.
Ozlin, chairman of the State Cor
porations Commission; r. H. Perry of
Charlottesville; State vice president,
Robert v. Duncan of Alexandria; dis
trict vice chairman, j. Ray Larcombe
Of Fauquier County: district vice
Chairman. John A. K Donovan Of
Falls Church; district secretary, Mrs.
Elizabeth Taylor of Prince William
County: district treasurer, Miss Kath-
crime Jennings of Culpeper. and other
officers of the various Young Demo-
Cratic Clubs of Virginia. Presidents OF
each of the clubs in the district made
brief reports.
Plans for an outing and dance
aboard the steamer Potomac July %.
TO boost interest in the campaign,
were announced at the meeting.
Am Envnc K;11ad