U.S. PRESIDENCY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 26 June 1924, Page 5

U.S. PRESIDENCY

- OF DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION

THIRTEEN THOUSAND DELEGATES “BITTER FRUITS OF REPUBLICANISM” (By Electric Telegraph.—-Copyright,.l Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) NEW YORK, dune 2-4. At Madison Square Garden, in the arena made famous by historic pugilistic encounters. the hosts of the Democratic Party, numbering 12,000 persons, lipened their Convention. There is a fine tension existing between tlie Smith and AlcAdoo foreees. every known arm of political manoeuvring being practised Mom attempts to till the spectators' galleries with AlcAdoo partisans to arranging private deals whereby the support of,,,delegates is traded with mathematical precision. New York is just now suffering from incredible heat, but the melting temperatures mean little discomforts and cannot quench the real enthusiasm of partisanship, which is so real that it is feared that lasting branches may sunder the party before the Convention ends.

Something of a reverent spirit possessed tin- Democratic Convention today when several speakers delivered addresses eulogising Air Wilson. Passions were easily stirred, however, and rebel yells, mainly the southern civil war erv, made a great din. Colour and vividness abounded and stir and movement touched every moment, of the proceedings from the singing of the National Anthem to the choice of various committees. The efficient, hand of stage managership was evident at every point, the air of the arena being tilled with fluttering small flags which were released by meelieaniea I means.

Mr Harrison gave his address, the roil of the Convention was called, the rules committee made -its .report, and the Convention's afternoon business was completed. 'l'he contest of real forces, however, began in the hotel rooms for the party's platform, the contents of which are still an uncertain matter. In the course of his speech to the Convention Senator Walsh, permanent chairman called attention to the bitter fruits of the Republicans, who had defeated Mr Wilson’s foreign policies. Senator Walsh condemned their failure to assure the establishment of an Association of Nations. He outlined details of the oil scandals, and charged that President C’oolidge had not hesitated to shield culprits and attempt to suppress investigations. Senator Walsh condemned both tariff and isolation as destructive of America’s best interests in the world. The Republican party dare not take a step for the pacification of Europe. “The republican leaders would like to have tlio Democrats raise the League of Nations issue again, but it was more important that we abandon foolish antagonism to any world movement because it was connected with the League .The honour of our country demands a return to the Wilson ideals and the resumption of moral leadership in the world.” NEW YORK, June. 25.

Mr Franklvn Roosevelt, former Un-der-Secretary for the Navy, putting Mr Smith into nomination for the Presidency before the Democratic Convention, stressed Mr Smith's humanity, honesty and efficiency, and apparently referring to Afr Smith’s Catholicism, reminded delegates of their sacred trust to put l from their hearts every ignoble prejudice. Air Roosevelt, after attacking the Republican Administration. concluded: “Give Air Smith the opportunity for wider service and pessimists ’ shall no longer point the finger of scorn at our executive machinery.”

RIVAL FACTIONS

NO HOPE OF COMPROMISE

NEW YORK, .Tunc 25

The Democratic resolutions committee, under the chairmanship of Mr Gumming, continued an all night session devoted to the consideration of various planks of the proposed platform, whielie optimists hope will be retulv for presentation to tlie Conven-tion’to-morrow. The chief groups advocating planks are, on behalf of the League of Nations with reservations on Articles Ten and Sixteen; anti-Ku Kltix Klan; prohibitionists and antiprohibitionists. The National League of Women Voters is asking for adhesion to a World Court and endorsement of a social legislation programme. The American Federation of Labour asks for the adoption of iis programme. Agricultural interests want relief for farmers and railway legislation and reform. . The committee’s executive i session however, brought rumours of strong dissension. The platform will not- be constructed without engendering deep resentments. The division of strength between Messrs McAdoo and Smith continues, without apparent hope of compromise. Both men indicate that, they will relentlessv hold their followers. Tt is clear that no candidate can secure a two thirds majority unless one of them gives way. All these problems moan endless night conferences for delegates and loaders.