U.S. PRESIDENCY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 86, 21 January 1928, Page 2

U.S. PRESIDENCY.

MR SMITH'S POSITION. RELIGIOUS ISSUE RAISED. (Press Association—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, January 19. As the result of fierce debate in the Senate, lasting for several honrs, between Senator Hefflin and Senator Robinson (the Democrat leader), in which the former bitterly attacked the Catholic Church and Mr Alfred E. Smith (Governor of New York State) a situation of political importance has arisen which will probably lead to a definite expression of opinion from Democrat Senators -as to whether Catholicism renders -Mr Smith ineligible for Democrat nomination for the Presidency. The Democrat Senators will to-motr-row, in caucus, deal with Senator Robinson's resignation of leadership as a protest against Senator Hefflin's speech, and it is expected that he will be chosen again by an overwhelming majority. This will put all Democrat Senators on record on the religious question.

LEADERSHIP OF DEMOCRATS. CONFIDENCE IN MR ROBINSON. (Received This Day, 9.45 a.m.)" WASHINGTON, January 19. The Democratic Senators met in caucus and passed a resolution of confidence in the leadership'of Mr Robinson. Mr, Hen in renewed the attack on Mr Smith in the Senate to-day and continued his charge aaainst the Catholics. Mr Smith refused to comment on Mr Heflin's remarks.