Evening star., 1942-08-02

was ever made more painfully aware
OF that fact than my opponent when
he sought reelection for a second
term as Mayor Of Alexandra and ex-
perienced the disgraceful humilia-
ton of running fifth in the race"
The Smith forces charge that or
ganized labor has sent large sum
of money into the district to help
defeat their candidate. The Dawson
managers deny the charge contend
ing that there Is as much or more
money being expended for Mr.. Smith
in the campaign. The Smith people
point to the wide distribution of
literature by mail throughout the
district by their opponents, to news
| paper advertising and radio time
consumed
Mr.. Smith has the backing of the
Democratic organization through
out the counties. including the court
house groups. This is an enormous
/ advantage in any primary election.
1t is said that practically all of the
officials in the district are support
ing Mr.. Smith, with the exception
of Maurice D. Rosenberg, who is
Alexandria's representative in the
House of Delegates. He is helping
to conduct the Dawson campaign.
Mr.. Rosenberg not only has been
successful at the polls himself. but
knows the political game as it is
played in Virginia and is no mean
antagonist.
Dawson Campaigns vigorously.
Mr.. Smith has been in touch with
his hackers throughout the district,
although he has confined his speak
ing to few addresses Mr. Dawson,
on the other hand, has campaigned
vigorously, using the radio fire.
quently as well as delivering
speeches in various parts of the dis
trict.
Mr.. Davison's chief strength lies.
1t Is said, in centers where labor is
found, AS in Alexandria, Charlottes-
vile and several other communities,
Mr.. Smith is expected to have
strong support in the rural sections.
Both sides claim the campaign
mas aroused considerable interest,
and both claim that their candidate
Will be helped by large turnout
Inc Dawson people say, however.
That If the vote is small, it will aid
Mr.. Smith, on the theory that in a
light vote the organization" ALWAYS
has the edge.
The District cast about 40 OOO in
lS4O, the presidential year. It is
estimated that from 25,OOO to 30 900
votes will be cast in the coming
primary, although there is the single
contest between Mr.. Smith and Mr..
Dawson, without the added 1ncen-
tive to vote for county officers.
Virginia has a poll tax law, and
this, the opponents OF Mr.. Smith
contend, helps the organization and
It's candidate. New residents of the
olstrlct, however, who came tn oe
between January and Novsmbfs
z, 1S4l, may register and vote in
the. primary, if they wish, without
having paid poll tax. Other resi-
oents, however, must have paid poll
taxes six months in advance of the
election and for the last three
years to be eligible to vote.
Pm" New York newspaper. has
entered the fight with bitter attack
on Mr.. Smith, who has charged
that the newspaper sent two of its
stan to rake over my private and
public life" After ascertaining the
true facts, the newspaper published
series of utterly false and de-
1amatory articles concerning me-"
Mr.. Smith charged. This literature
has been distributed throughout the
district by the Dawson campaign
ers, Mr.. Smith claims.
Mr.. Smith has been attacked on
the ground that he sought to OBJ
struct the Presidents national de-
tense program. The record shows
however, that Mr.. Smith voted for
all the national defense bills. But
when the bill to permit the arminp
OF American merchant ships was
before the House in November. l94l
WIN Senate amendment permit
tlng the entrance of American ships
INTO bellieerent ports, Mr.. Smith
told the House he did not PROPOSE to
support the Senate proposal-he
had already voted for the arminq
OF American merchant ships-until
the administration took some stems
to curb the strikes which were inter.
ferlng with the national defense
program.
I'VE must no longer depend upon
patriotic speeches and humble ap-
peals to the overlords of labor"
Mr.. Smith said. The time for a
showdown is long overdue. Let us
meet the issue before it Is too late
Before we get into this war. LET
us know whether our country is be-
ing run under the selfish dictator
snip OF the Lewises, the Hillmans
the Toblns, the Thomases, the hords
OF selfish labor barons exploiting
the honest American workingman
lor their own aggrandizement.
have reluctantly reached the
parting of the ways. can take no