CONTENTIOUS ISSUES

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10631, 2 July 1920, Page 6

CONTENTIOUS ISSUES

U.S. PRESIDENCY IRISH INDEPENDENCE AND PROHIBITION. THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. NEW YORK, Juno 29. Tho San Francisco correspondent of thts “New York 'Times” states that tho platform committee's hearing on tho Irish question resulted in great scenes of disorder. Senator Walsh (-Massachusetts) introduced a plank similar to that introduced at tlio Republican Convention, in which it is laid down that _ the United States recognises Irish independence. Opponents of tho plank affirmed that it would npcan war with Britain. It is considered highly improbable that tho Convention will adopt this plank. Senator Phelan (California) introduced a plank for the exclusion of Japanese from the United States as a matter of self-preservation, and the denial of ownership of land to present Japanese residents The platform committee to-day began its hearings upon tho prohibition question. Mi- W. Bryan was the representative of prohibition, but he seemed to make little headway, owing t.o the fact that the chairman of tho committee is a staunch "Wilson man. Mr Bryan now seems destined to wag© a losing fight. Observers generally agree that the Wilson forces predominate in the Convention. The anti-Wilson forces’ only hope, since a two-thirds majority of the delegates is required for the adoption of a platform and for the--choice of a candidate, is to cause a deadlock among their opponents. Mr Bryan’s League of Nations plank will also cause strong discussion. It is believed that the Wilson forces will bo compelled to make some compromise under this head, relinquishing their desire for the endorsement of tho League without reservations.

it is expected that the platform committee will soon publish the platform, which will then probably be quickly adopted by the delegates, although Mr Bryan threatens to take the fight to tho floor of the Convention if the committee does not. adopt his prohibition and Treaty planks. Balloting will then begin for the choice of a nominee for the Presidency. Observers say that Cox, Palmer, and McAdoo will feature in the first few ballots, and that McAdoo will then forge ahead. Hia success will depend upon whether the Cox and Palmer forces throw their support to him. SAN FRANCISCO. June 30, The McAdoo managers have not been ordered to nominate him. The platform a tb-committee has yeached a deadlock regarding light wine and beer.