U S. PRESIDENCY

Hokitika Guardian, 15 August 1928, Page 1

U S. PRESIDENCY

Australian Press Assn.—United Service

NEW YORK, August 10. The United States Presidential cam paign is producing interesting features In the State of Missouri the Democra-

tic nomination for Senator lias gone to

a dry advocate, Mr Hay, thus rebuffing the. present Senator Reed, who is a wet supporter, and Governor. Smith. The nomination for State Governor, however, went to a wet advocate, Air AVilson. Thus Prohibition is not the deciding issue in Missouri. Alany things thus far have combined to assist Governor Smith’s candidature without effort oil liis part. The irony of fate or the ■ stupidity of his opponents, has brought him a succession of advantages. Recently several of the representatives of big business interests have declared for Governor Smith, so that a Republican victory in November is now far from certain.

The attacks made by the Republicans on Governor Smith have largely comprised aspersions on liis moral standing, but thus far these have, rather reacted against his’ opponents. Senator Owen, who for a long time has been a Democrat, has announced

that lie would not support Governor Smith, because, lie said, Governor Smith’s connection with the reprehensible Tammany organisation must make him a “persona non grata with all right-thinking people.” Governor Smith, in a brief rejoinder, regretting the loss of Senator Owen’s support, added that in the year 1924 Senator Owen begged him (Smith) to obtain support for Tammany delegates so that Owen could secure tbe Democratic Presidential nomination.

Then tlie leading Republican editor, Mr White, of Kansas, alleged that Governor Smith’s conduct early in liis legislative career was such as to render him morally unfit to he President.

Before, however, Governor Smith could act on Air White’s invitation to refute his statements, the latter recanted his statements abjectly. Tlie last incident occurred on Sunday last, when a clergyman, Rev. Air Straton, said in a sermon, that Goveronr Smith “was the best friend of the forces of reaction, immorality, vice and crime in tlie land to-day.” Governor Smith immediately wrote to Air Straton a remarkable letter, saying: “I do not feel that I should charge you with making this statement for any political purpose, as it was made in a Church devoted to the teachings of Christ, one off which was: ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.’ ” Governor Smith asked permission to answer Air Strnton’s statement in the hitter’s own church, and lie will have this opportunity in September. The Republicans regret'that Governor Smith has been getting these chances to answer liis critics, and so gaining him country-wide attention. Governor Smith is an able orator, and he handles tlie two-edged sword of politics wel|. Now he will score votes out cf detractors faulty tactics. NOAIINATION SPEECH. WASHINGTON, August 11. A Californian message states thatAir Herbert Hooyer officially accepted Republican Presidential nomination today, with a reiteration of his stand against the repeal of the Prohibition Amendment or any modification of enforcement constituting its nullification.

He did not refer to Governor Smith’s declaration for tlie liberalisation of the Volstead Enforcement Act. He declared that he stood for “ efficient enforement ” off the laws enacted under prohibition amendment. He added: “ Who ever is chosen as President is under a solemn oath of duty to pursue this course.” For the relief of the farmers, he outlined a programme embracing tariff protection, increased and cheaper transportation, supported by federal, financial aid, and tlie building up of farmer-owned and controlled corporations to take care of crop surpluse,.'

Air Hoover declared vigorously for religious tolerance. He inveighed against corruption in public offices. He advocated a foreign policy dedicated to peace wjth a fostering of disarmament hut with the retention in the meantime of an adequate American navy for national defence.