U.S. PRESIDENCY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 29 October 1928, Page 5

U.S. PRESIDENCY

POPULAR DRIFT TOWARDS SMITH

REPUBLICANS ALARMED

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

MADE

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy righ t Australian Press Association

NEW YORK, 27th October. Indications that the Republicans have suddenly become frightened of the distinct popular drift towards Mr Smith are seen to-day in two important political announcements —one from Mr Hoover that should the winter sessions of the next Congress not pass farm relief legislation be would, if elected, call a special session of Congress to deal with “our most urgent economic problem.” And another from sources close to President Coolidge that the President will probably issue a statement next week appealing to the nation on behalf of Mr Hoover. Hitherto President Coolidge has refrained from campaign utterances. Ah' Smith, in recently completed middle-west and New England speaking tours, was accorded a triumphant popular reception, , observers of both parties agreeing that even Wilson and Roosevelt were never so acclaimed. The announcement, furthermore, that Senator Norris, who with Senator Lafollette led the progressive movement in 1924, would definitely support Mr Smith, thus possibly securing the vote of the agricultural north-west for Mr Smith, bus- accentuated the pro-Smith aspects of the presidential campaign at the present moment. Mr Lafollette junior stated that he will support neither Mr Smith nor Mr Hoover, but he finds the former’s water power and agricultural policy commendable. .