UNITED STATES

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 10 July 1924, Page 5

UNITED STATES

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION. NO CONCLUSION BY DEMOCRATS. *T CABLB—PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT NCW YORK, July 8. The thirteenth clay saw the Democratic convention pretty tired and fractious, nothing being done. There is scant promise that anything will be done,_ although political soothsayers expect a definite break to-day, with the possibility of a nomination. In the meantime the group favouring Mr. W. A. MeAdoo is bitterly unwavering. They openly assert that they prefer the destruction of the Democratic Party to the victory of their opponents. Governor A, E. Smith frankly reiterates “anybody but MeAdoo.” The balloting to-day showed a continuation of the movement toward Senator S. M. Ralston, which the McAdoo faction declare unimportant. Mr. MeAdoo and Mr. Smith are both losing strength, the former being the greatest sufferer. After the ninety-third ballot the position was: Smith 355, McAdoo 314 Ralston 196. After a recess Mr. Roosevelt announced that Mr. Smith was ready to withdraw if Mr. MeAdoo would do so, but the MeAdoo forces sav he wilt never withdraw. Senator " Ralston’s representative announced that he desired that his principal’s withdrawal should be considered final. Balloting was resumed, and a report %vas circulated that Mr. J W. Davis would show increased strength. Before long there were mingled humourous and pathetic touches during the long drawn out hours. The chaii” ' man announced the death of' several prominent Democratic leaders, while messages telling of the death of friends and relatives of various delegates were also announced. A Tennessee delegate informed the convention that many members of his delegation had grown tired and had returned home. Hundreds of delegates, wearied and without funds, have been leaving, and those actually remaining are only skeleton delegations. Little things are now attracting the convention’s attention. Some lady lost a valuable diamond pin, and the chairman announced an honest policeman finder, the convention cheering his name to the echo. One delegate cast a vote for Marc Antony. The convention’s serious features, however, are not lacking. It appears that either Mr. MeAdoo or Mr. Si with may set up an independent candidacy. ' The MeAdoo forces frankly admit that they hope Mr. Smith will make the first move to renounce allegiance to the present Democratic Party. The convention, meantime, continues to present the broadest picture of futilitv. The ninety-sixth ballot showed: MeAdoo 421. Smith 359. and Davis 171