The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-21
BY JACK AMMAN United Press Staff Correspondent

Hartford, Conn, March 21- (UP)-There is growing feeling among responsible Democrats that the party's cloudy factional position should be cleared soon, or the increasing prestige of the new era Republican party may prove a heavy handicap in the coming campaign.
 The fellows down the line" in the Democratic party just don't know where they are at; State Chairman J. Francis Smith says he is ready to retire; no federal judgeship appointment has come through from Washington because of factional fight; and in the background turks the possible gubernatorial candidacy of former Gov Wilbur l.. Cross.
 Everybody is playing coy" prominent Democratic State Sen- ator said.
 The only bang at Gov. Baldwin's administration in recent weeks was the speech of state WPA ad- ministrator Vincent J. Sullivan, and hurried interview by former State Labor Commissioner Jos- eph M. Tone. Public Works Com missioner Robert A. Hurley is about the state, making speeches and building institutions.
 Other than that, worried Democrats are asking: "What is the party doing?"
 Report No. 1: National Com mitteman David F.. FitzGerald and Chairman Smith were repOr- ted in luncheon conference at Waterbury.
 Report No. 2: Paul R. COnnery, Fairfield County leader, has something in mind for Norwalk mayor Frank T. Stack, who was given a testimonial dineer recen- tIy with Hurley as chief speaker. is it a move by COnnery to get back into the state picture, either through Stack or former state comptroller Charles c. SwartZ?
 Republicans are just as much interested as Democrats in what will eventuate. Sources close to Gov. Baldwin admit restoration of semi annual motor vehicle in- spcctiOn may cost him a few votes, if he runs again, but not enough to hurt. There will be lar ger issues that are 100 times more important this fall, they say.
 These sources say they hope Gov. Cross will run again because this time i've are ready for him." But they don't know, and neither do the Democrats. Major align ments are not yet made in the Democratic party; reported feuds have not broken out into the open, Or been halted.
 Gov. Baldwin. meantime, is speaking virtually every night, and, Democrats admit, getting himself known where in 1888 they never heard of him." His oppon- ents admit he is making an im- pression and when they go that far they're worried.
 Where in 1888 the Democrats looked like sure things" for years to come, a "fluke" election has completely changed the picture. But the Democrats are banking on an ace -the-hole; President Roosevelt. They're praying he runs.
 There will be nothing to report on whether state finance cOmmis- si0ner Q. Glenn Saxon goes back to Yale until June. That is the official word.
 Exclusive: State Treasurer Jos cph E. Talbot drops this definite hint to those who want him to run for Congress in the fifth dis trict: T am not candidate. will not run for Congress in the fifth district under any circum' stances. I will not allow myself to be drafted for that office. In other words, No!
 But there are others who want the job.
 State Sen. Claude V. Badger Wolcott, is moving about the dis trict, drumming up support for hi congressional candidacy. And there is some talk that Thomas J. Wall Torrington, may try again. Fur thermore, there is Rep. Walter Howe, Litchfield, but some group' are keeping him in reserve for th' U. s. Senatorial nomination.
 The national publicity Gov. Bal dwin is getting Is not yet over. In formed sources say Stanley Higl is writing piece about the execu tive for the saturday Evenini Post, and that Look and teader. Digest magazines also will carr, articles soon.