The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-08-22
Tone Is Flying Home
For Cross Conference
CONTINUED From Page y

NSSA1S1e@sSSe
Cross and Smith opposed Tones bid
for the nomination for lieutenant
governor. They backed Colonel
Thomas Hewes, and were roundly
criticized for opposing Tone. The
criticism became even stronger when
the Democrats lost the election.
Tone Has Influence
Tone still has strong influence in
the state, particularly in labor cir
cles. His support would give the
Cross campaign major gain on the
eve of the state convention.
Verbal blasts were being sent back
and forth as both sides tangled in
last-minute efforts to win dele
gate strength before the convention
opens at New Haven tomorrow
Tempers were running short as the
battle went on.
Mr.. Smith, in public statement,
criticized the elements supporting
Mr.. Hurley" referring to the back
ing being given the public works
commissioner by such Old Guard
leaders as Mayor Thomas Spellacy
of Hartford, Paul Connery of Nor
walk and David E. FITZGERALD OF
New Haven.
Commissioner Hurley, in an adj
dress to Hartford county delegates
at a dinner last night, charged that
two or three persons who attempted
to- wreck the lives and destinies of
hundreds of Democrats in this
state" then went on to declare that
the 1888 state convention has been
"bossed". Mr.. Hurley claimed that
the conduct of the 1888 state con-
vention had cost the party the
election.
Mr.. Smith said that statements
that the nomination of Mr.. Hur-
ley was assured were sign Of
weakness. He declared that Mr..
Hurley, in a letter to the convention
delegates, had avoided criticizing
the administration Of Gov. Cross.
Commissioner Hurley, he said,
should more appropriately have
claimed better qualifications than
delegate strength.
The lining up of delegates still
went on. Ex-Gov. Cross was assured
today of the backing of at least 10
of the 81 votes in the Meriden dee
cation. The 33d senatorial district,
of which Middletown is the center,
has also pledged its 81 votes to
Cross. Stratford delegates, on the
other hand, have announced them
selves for Hurley.
Waterbury'S delegation of SO, in
GLIDING Al delegates and IL alter
mates, will leave for New Haven to-
morrow afternoon. All but a few
of the local votes are certain to GO
for ex-Gov. Cross, and If the unit
rule is upheld the Al votes will go
to Cross as bloc. The local dele
cation will not caucus until Satur-
day morning. The speech nominat-
ing Dr. Cross will be made by Mayor
Vincent A. Scully.
DR.. Cross sought to set at rest
reports that he might retire from
the race without making floor
fight by issuing statement declar-
ing that his name will positively be
offered to the convention my
name definitely will be presented on
the floor of the convention" the
78-year old former governor said.
Mr.. Smith issued the following
statement
II have been asked to COM
ment on the claims of delegates
support being made by Hurley's
supporters.
These claims range up and
down from 500 to 300 votes. I do
not pretend 10 know the exact
vote and pretentions to such
knowledge are nonsensical. Many
delegates are still uncommitted. I
do know that the claims are in
accurate and fanciful.
For example, so votes are
claimed In Litchfield county and
$50 in New Haven county. would
like to see an effort made to
name the sources Of these votes.
Certain Political Figures"
Commissioner Hurley does have
strength in Fairfield county,
gained on a plea for county soil
darity.' He does have the support
Of certain political figures who are
seeking to gain control of the
Democratic party and, they hope,
Of the state government.
This Is not enough. The pres
ent claims are designed to in
fiuence delegates who may wish to
be on the winning side. The
claims indicate weakness rather
than strength.
II think It would be more APP
propriate II superior qualifications
were being claimed for Mr.. Hur-
ley instead OF delegates strength.
The election will not be won In
New Haven on Saturday.
MY only responsibility Is that
OF o delegate 10 the convention. l.
personally, will vote for Governor
Gross for three reasons first,
the Democratic party owes re-
nomination 10 aproven vote get
ter and able leader; second. I
cannot approve Of the prospective
control Of the party BY the Gle. J