CAN “BIG BILL” BE DEFEATED?

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18818, 5 March 1931, Page 9

CAN “BIG BILL” BE DEFEATED?

Facing Straight-out Fight. DEMOCRATS’ CHANCES IMPROVED. Uni too' Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received, March 4, 8.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 3. The Chicago Democrats are greatly cheered by the apparent improvement {in the opportunity to defeat “Big Bill” at the coming election, due to the decision of the Independent candidate, not to run, but to leave the field open for Mr Cermak. ON THE ROAD TO LINCOLN’S CHAIR. “BIG BILL’S” ASPIRATIONS. I Last week “Big Bill,” the Mayor of Chicago won the first round of his campaign and, in effect, fully half the battle, for the Republicans are strong in Chicago, and he will have a powerful political machine behind him at the final poll. Primary elections in the United States are those in whicn candidates are nominated directly by the voters (in this case those of the Republican party). Each election is by ballot, and Is accompanied by the same election machinery, safeguards, and regulations, and is fully as “official” as the final election. Mr Thompson, won the fourth mayoralty nomination in the Republican primary election, defeating Judge John H. Lyle by a plurality estimated at 45,000 votes. The election was one of the quietest on record in Chicago. It took place in the presence of 7000 “Poll Guards,” who prevented all disorder with the exception of three kidnappings and a few minor fights without gun play. The Democrats selected President Anton J. Cermak, of the Cook County Board, whom Mr Thompson hoped to defeat at the April elections due to the entrance of an independent candidate, who it was believed would decrease Mr Cermak’s vote. “Big Bill’s” supporters saw through his renomination his opportunity to carry the fight against prohibition and internationalism into the next Republican National Convention. It is also believed that Mr Thompson has won the unquestioned leadership of the Republican forces in Illinois through his latest victory.