American Elections

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 279, 5 November 1924, Page 5

American Elections

CLOSE OF CAMPAIGN. RECORD VOTING EXPECTED. New York. Nov. 3 Tho campaign closed to-night, the final gesture being speeches by Mr. Dayis and President Coolidge, each of which was broadcasted over the entire Continent. The radio has played an important port in this season’s political activities, all candidates entering the homes of the nation in this manner, paying, however, a high price for the privilege, the cost of broadcasting a speech being between 30.000 and 50,000 dollars. The campaign, despite the unUsual issues and the triangular situation, cannot be said to. have been bitter or marred by such untoward tactics as characterised the previous Presidential . battle, particularly the aspersions on Mr Harding’s personal life and the blood of his antecedents which were circulated on the eve of the last quadrennial election The popular interest in the campaign is great and vital, this being indicated by registration figures, which this yeax are unprecedentedly high. It i s estimated that the total popular vote may reach 30,000,000. All parties concentrated their efforts to bring voters out. The Republicans believe President Coqiidge will possibly obtain 18,000,000, while Senator La Follette claims that he will receive 10,000,000. The Republicans and Democrats concede him anything from 3,000,000 to 5,000,000. Mr Davis’s strength remains unestimated, although there is a widespread belief that he may fall below Governor Cox’s vote. Senator La Follette’s vote will be considered indicative of the continued life of the third party and the possibility of it becoming a dominating factor in future elections, when it wid be better organised and richer in resourcesIt is considered remarkable that Senator La Follette should have done so well with his weakly organised and moneyless party. It is claimed that if the third party elements can reconcile their major differences during the convention which will be called after the election Senator La Follette’s party will be 'a new and future great force in American politics*. It is worthy of note that 36 States will elect Governors to-morrow, and besides Republican and Democratic nominess nineteen Socialists or independent gubernatorial candidates, are in the field. The gubernatorial and State legislature elections generally are as mixed and incalculable a s the-Fed-eral Congressional and Senatorial elections. President CooJidga and Mr Davis, in their final speeches to-night, urged everyone to vote. Fair weather predicted for to-mor-row through the whole country has induced predictions of the largest vote ever recorded. The Republicans predict a minimum of 350 electoral votes out of 531. The Democrats are less specific, but are confident. Senator La Follette’s managers declare that a great victory for the progressive cause is in sight.—(A. and N.Z.)