Evening star., 1940-01-16
Police Detain Rival
Of Long, Arrest Aides
In Louisiana Poll
Noe Charges Observers
In Gallery Watched
Marking Of Ballots
BY the Associated Press.

NEW ORLEANS, Jan. 16.-Police
detention of one of the principal
gubernatorial candidates was report
ed today as Louisiana voters decided
the fate of the 12-year -old Huey P.
Long political dynasty.
State Senator James A. Noe, the
candidate, and two aides were taken
to police station by officers after
they had made pictures of what
Mr.. Noe contended was a vote irreg-
ularity.
"They won't book me-" Senator
Noe said at the station, as he sum-
moned attorneys.
The police, however, had jailed
Scott Wilson, Mr.. Noes publicity
representative, and William Vann, a
photographer, on charges of dis
turbing the peace. They were re-
leased an hour later on parole.
There is gallery overlooking
the booths at that precinct" Mr..
Noe said. land our people had pro-
tested that persons were standing
up there looking down and seeing
how the voters were marking their
ballots
Heavy Voting Early.
Voting was heavy before 7 am.
in the New Orleans residential dis
tricts. Numerous irregularities were
reported to the Local Arbitration
Committee before three hours had
passed
Election workers expected nearly
600 900 persons to express themselves
in the State Democratic primary,
which climaXed heated campaign
for the governorship.
The previous high was $4,000
votes, cast in the 1886 election.
Gov Earl K. Long, brother of the
slain Huey, carried the administra-
tion's banner He was opposed by
four reform" candidates, who
sought to displace the machine"
which has. ruled since 1888.
One candidate sent his men out
with ink pads to "fingerprint" the
ballot boxes and prevent switch
ing"
The Orleans Parish Board of
Election Supervisors deputized l,5OO
special police to maintain law and
order"
The reform" candidates were At
torney Sam Jones of Lake Charles,
Attorney James H. Morrison of
Hammond, Attorney Vincent Moseley
of Opelousas and Mr.. Noe of Monroe
They centered their attacks on
the many scandals unearthed by
Federal and State grand juries since
former Gov. Richard w. Leche re-
signed last June and Long, Lieu
tenant Governor, succeeded him.
Leche and many other administra-
ton leaders have since been in
dicted.
Long countered that he had no
connection with the graft and cor
ruption in the State before he be-
came Governor. After becoming
chief executive, he explained, he had
done everything he could to clean
up the government.
Republicans Hold Primary.
If a second Democratic primary Is
necessary it will be held February
20. Democratic nomination is tanta-
mount to election in Louisiana,
since Republican opposition is neg
ligible, although Republicans held
their first primary in history in
Louisiana today.
All candidates except Mr.. Moseley
issued victory statements. Long
predicted a majority of 100000.
Gov. Long said, if elected, he
would call a special session of the
Legislature mot before next Mon
day nor after the following Monday"
to consider repeal of the per cent
sales tax.
Long has carried the brunt of his
campaign alone. Louisianas two
Senators and some of its representa-
tives have aided him.
1--WE fought 'em, I've fought 'em
and I've fought EN-" he said. Il
don't believe I could campaign for
another week at the clip I've been
going"
The Governor named in the gen.
eral election will be inaugurated in
May for four-year term.