U.S. PRESIDENCY.

Gisborne Times, 31 October 1928, Page 5

U.S. PRESIDENCY.

MRi SMITH’S “WET” CAMPAIGN ■flatted Press Ashm. by El. Tel. Oopyrlgbl (Australian Press Association.) (Received Oct. 30, 8 p.m. NEW YORK, Oct. 30. Prohibition as an issue in the Presidential campaign seemed to have exhausted the possibility of new aspects under General Smith’s fall exposition of his views, But a change statement bv the Democratic nomini'e in answer to ex-Seeretary of State Huges’ assertion that it was a “sham battle” has disclosed a further factIt was claimed that, "despite Mr Smith’s “wet” views he, as president could not produce any basic change in tho law or constitution and this was said to salvo the consciences of those members of the Democratic party who, despite their “dry’ views, still supported Mr Smith. But the latter, in answering Mr Hughes, declared that the President can do a considerable amount towards furthering tho repeal movement and, as President, ho intends to so. Observers declare that “dry” Democrats will now desert Mr Smith in droves, but, interestingly enough, the Governor is little frightened of this prospect. Ho spoke at Baltimore last night and intensified his arguments Against Prohibition;. He., denounced the Anti-Saloon League, which withdrew its support from Mr Norris lor supporting the Governor, adding: “I can think of no greater force for evil than that organisation, which threatens disaster to the public statesman who does not submit to its dictation.” GREATLY AUGMENTED ELECT GRATE PUZZLING POSITION

“The Volstead law is”, said Air Smith, “not an article of religious faith. You cannot make a new sin by law; it was not inscribed on the tablets of stone that were handed down by Msses; it is no sin.” Observers cannot agree whether Air Smith is wise or unwise politically, but more cautious commentators point to several important facts. The total votes cast in the 1912 elections were 29 millions; it is now estimated that the enrolment for the coming elections may be between forty-three and 45 millions. New York State for instance ,reports 25 per cent, increase in enrolments. It is estimated on the basis of these figures that thirty-five million persons may vote. The augmented electorate is not only due to natural increase in population; the new voters are principally women and this “silent vote” puzzles everyone.

It may produce the surprise of the election. Sweeping aside every present surface indication that trend of sentiment is for Air Hoover, there is a surprising feature in the statement made by Air Work that the Republicans will be victorious in the wheat and maize States and he lists ten of the States west of the Mississippi, but strangely fails to mention North Dakota, South Dakota. Alissouri and Wisconsin. Politicians’ statements are usually most inclusive in their claims of victory, but this pointed omission -of four States, two of which gave the Progressives strong support in 1924, seems an amazing admission that the Democrats have entrenched themselves there. Moreover, New York State, with its important fortyfive electoral votes and Democratic cities and Republican agricultural areas, is considered a doubtful State, as are Alassachusetts. Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Jersey, which are nominally Republican. These great Eastern sea-board States, with crowded urban centres, seem to find a great appeal in Air Smith's policies. It is in the foregoing facts that the seed of the unexpected may he sprouting and leads careful observers to refrain from dogmatism as concerns the result of the election.