The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1944-04-28
Observations
Breakup in Solid
South Viewed as
Remote Possibility
BY Helen Essary

Washington The most optimis-
tic Republican political observers
are predicting intermittent chinks,
then wide breaks in the solid South
this November. chasms which may
make the margin for their presi-
dental candidate even greater than
they hope for.
They are pointing down the cor
ridors Of time 10 the election OF
1925, when Al Smith lost North
Carolina and other southern states
in the COP sweep that sent Her
bert Hoover into the White House.
More cautious observers, how
ever. are not particularly sanguine
over anti-New Deal strength in The
southern states. They feel that
il is inadequate and will have lit
lie effect on the general election.
They point out that several fac
tors would raise COP hopes in
Dixie Among these are the NOM
ination OF Governor Thomas L.
Dewey OF New York for President,
and the bitter feeling engeudered
against the New Deal in Texas by
the supreme court inyalldation of
the states white supremacy pri-
mary Law
Other political observers, how
ever. agree that Texas recognized
the supreme court decision as a
purely legal move and that It will
have little effect on the state
political situation They assert
that Texas is safely in the Roose-
welt column il the President choos-
es to make fourth term bid
North Carolina, despite dissat.
isfaction over the New Deal. is
likely 10 remain Democratic bar
ring unforeseen events And the
same is true OF Virginia and the
other Piedmont and south central
states
Borderline states. particularly
Kentucky and possibly Tennessee.
are doubtful.
The change in local postal rates
from two to three cents an ounce
had a familiar ring.
In 1882. both the local and non
local rate went up TO three cents
for letters. but a year later local
rates were changed back TO two
cents.
During World War |. the non-lo-
cal rate was upped from two to
three cents, but changed back in
1919. And away long ago in 1879.
il cost three cents per half ounce
for out-of.tovn letters and two
cents per half ounce for local mail.
Not until 1855 did Uncle Sam carry
the mail for two cents an ounce.
The halls OF Congress are re-
verberating these days TO charges
that deal Is on the fire to hold
up the vitally.important Price Con-
troll Ace, which expires June 80, In
return for special treatment on
the pending anti-poll tax bill in the
Senate
Hearings are now being held in
the Senate and House on the pro-
posed extension OF the OPA for
one year after June 30. Most OBJ
servers agree that neither chamber
will receive a bill until the lat
ter part OF May.
With. southern Senate forces set
for an all.out filibuster on the
House passed anti-poll tax bill
sponsored by representative Vito
Marcsntonio "a. L. of New York.
q huge log.jam Ia developing In
the upper chambers legislative cal
endar.
Consumer representatives who
haunt the interminable corridors
OF Congress see in the filibuster an
attempt 10 block Senate considera-
ton Of the price control law. They
are fearful that any delay would
open the floodgates OF initiation
and make II too late TO recapture
present advantages Of the act
Southern anti-poll tax leaders.
however. contend that they are
willing to yield to any legislation
which is vital 10 the welfare OF
the nation provided that when the
legislation is disposed OF they will
regain the floor.
Senate procedure. however, calls
or first things first and the order.
ly disposal OF business. Thus. some
observers wonder whether the anti
poll tax bill hangs as possible
threat over important legislation.