DEMOCRAT CONTENTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18756, 9 July 1924, Page 11

DEMOCRAT CONTENTION

MORE FUTILE BALLOT ING.

SMITH ASSUMES THE LEAD.

(Beceived 7.35 p.m.)

A. and N.Z.—Efeuter. NEW YORK. Julv 7.

The twelfth day of the Democrat Convention's sittings brought the selection of the party's Presidential nominee no •nearer. Balloting was resumed in weather so hot as to make the conditions in the Madison Square Garden almost unbearable. The delegates were listless, and showed the effects of the prolonged physical strain.

The chief interest centred in the votes cast for the two most prominent candidates, Mr. W. G. McAdoo and Mr. A. E. Smith. At the 79th ballot the figures were:—McAdoo, 507; Smith, 366. At the 83rd, the figures read: McAdoo, 418; Smith, 368. Just prior to this ballot the delegates were all released from • their pledges, but this failed to bring the hoped-for termination of the deadlock.

After the recess a report was circulated that there would be a movement toward Mr. Ralston as a compromise candidate. The 84th ballot showed that Mr. McAdoo was weakening. He polled 388 votes, Mr. Smith securing 365, and Mr. Ralston 86. Two ballots later the figures were:— Smith, 360; McAdoo, 353; Ralston, 92.

This was the first time Mr. Smith's vote had exceeded that of Mr. McAdoo, and the delegates cheered loudly. At the 87th ballot the result was:—Smith, 361; McAdoo, 336; Ralston, 93.

The New Mexico delegation then submitted a resolution which will be voted upon to-morrow morning. This is to the effect that a miniature convention, composed of one representative from each State delegation, shall'meet in conference and attempt to determine the Presidential and candidates.

The convention adjourned as a mark of sympathy with the President, Mr. Calvin Coolidge, in the death of his son.

LA FOLLETTE'S CHANCES.

LARGE SUPPORT LIKELY.

A. and N.Z.

WASHINGTON. July 6.

Senator La Follette's announcement of his Presidential candidature has assumed more importance for several reasons. The chief one is the. existing division in the Democrat Convention, which, it is considered, has seriously reduced the prospects of the Democrats' success at the coming election. It is held that the Democrats, who might have commanded great national support if they had chosen to make Governmental corruption their chief campaign issue, have distinctly alienated important sections of the electorates through their religious dissensions. Mr. La Follette, moreover, has skilfully gathered to himself great support hy declaring himself as an independent candidate and by stating that a third party will not be formed until after the election and suould cucumstances warrant it. He has, therefore, been "enabled to secure .the support of various factions among the Radicals and Progressives, including the dissatisfied north-western agriculturists. The National Convention of Socialists at Cleveland has enlisted under the La Follette banner. The Labour Party and the Communists may also endorse his candidature. .•'■■'''■' He can also expect support from the Liberal Republicans, who are incensed at Republican corruption in office, from the Democrats who are alienated, from the Democrat Party owing to the religious issue, and from all others who are generally dissatisfied with the major parties. Mr. La F6llette will probably not secure election, but is most likely to make the ultimate result extremely uncertain.