Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1949-06-20
Party Politics
Seen in Vote on
Slot Machines
Republicans Booking
LeeoIizotion Move
In Charles County
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LA PLATA. Nd. June 90
Party politics are expected TO play
O part In deciding the issue when
Charles County voters cast their
ballots In q slot machine referen-
dunn tomorrow.
Meanwhile, both sides are max
ing final bids for support after a
busy week end.
The County Ministerial Asso-
citation will hold the last of q
series Of meetings at $50 O'Clock
tonight at La Plata High School
Principal speakers will be w. Algie
Cooksey. president Of the County
Farm Bureau. and Samuel c. Lin
ton, master Of Pomona Grange.
In a counter move. business es-
adjustments are displaying plac-
ards and voters are receiving
printed circulars In favor of the
slot machines. Circulars have been
distributed throughout the county
by a newly formed Restaurant
Owners Association. The associa-
ton recently came out openly for
legalizing the devices after sew
eral weeks of quiet work.
Party Lines Followed.
The political pressure Is not of
the open variety. Both Republic
cans and Democrats are reported
to be following party lines. with
Republicans for legalization and
Democrats against 1t. Some Dem
ocrats are reported supporting the
devices. however.
Neither party viii admit openly
that the question has become a
political issue but observers point
out that the measure was intro
duced by State Senator. James B.
Monroe, a Republican. and was
supported In the House by Dele
gates r. Vernon Cooksey and
j. Franklin Winkler. Of the same
party.
The County Republican State
Central Committee Is supporting
legalization of the machines while
one Of the opponents is q MEM
Der Of the county Democratic
State Central Committee.
Back Of this development is the
fact that the Democratic Party
Jared badly In the last two cleo
tions. Only one county Office
holder. the States Attorney. Is a
Democrat. If the Democrats can
upset the Republican-sponsored
slot machine bill. it Is believed
they viii have helped their
chances at the polls next year.
This political factor. an ele-
ment absent from similar refer
enda In st. Marys, Calvert and
Prince Georges Counties. makes
observers hesitate to predict the
outcome.
Republicans In Majority.
The county has 1000 registered
voters, with q Republican major
ity of about 200. How much Of
this potential will 60 to the polls
tomorrow Is difficult to estimate.
It Is the farmers busiest season,
and the turnout will depend to a
large extent on the weather.
In Prince Georges County only
26 per cent Of those registered
voted in the slot-machine refer
endum there. Reports from that
county were to the effect that If
a larger number had gone to the
polls the proposal would have
been defeated.
A Republican leader said here
today that would not hold true
in Charles County. The heavier
the turnout, he predicted. the
larger the majority In favor Of
slot machines.
As part of yesterdays activ-
tiles, members Of the ministerial
association spoke from their pull
pits in the morning and before
Negro gatherings later in the day.
The Rev. Harold A. Milstead
addressed 800 Negroes at Zion
Baptist Church at Hilltop. in the
western section Of the county. At
Shiloh Church. near Newburg. a
meeting Of the National Associa-
ton for the Advancement Of COL
ored People was addressed by the
Rev. Charles r. Pierce. pastor Of
Marbury Baptist Church.