PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17408, 22 May 1928, Page 7

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION

CANDIDATES’ CHANCES. FOR PARTY NOMINATIONS. SMITH AND HOOVER FAVOURED. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian Press Association'). NEW YORK, May 20. The apparent victory in 'the Oregon Democrat primary for Mr A. Smith, Governor of New York, will add ten delegates to the impressive following of .which lie was already assured at the Democratic National oon vent ion for the selection of a Presidential candidate. Efforts are being renewed to arrange for his nomination by acclamation. Mr Smith must have the solid support of the Southern States to obtain nomination. Yesterday the Southern Baptist Church, w’i'th a membership of 3,700,000, and with an immense political inlluence, at its annual convention at Chattanooga, pledged iLself to break the party .lines rather than to sec an “unnamed friend of the liquor interests” become the President of the United States. It is considered that the race question will also be an important factor in the final decision. The position of Mr Hoover, in spite of his defeat in Indiana, continues to be the best of any of the Republican aspirants. His friends claiih that 500 delegates will vote for him. Only 545 votes are required for nomination. Mr Hoover’s less optimistic supporters are inclined to be a little bitter about what they call the “Lowden-Dawes game,” referring to the activities of the two rival Republican candidates, Mr F. O. Lowden, ex-Governor of Illinois, and the vice-President, Mr G. G. Dawes. The “game” consists in keeping Mr Lowden before the public eye as an important contender tor the Presidential nomination, while actually this honour is sought for Mr Dawes, who continues 'to be probably the least discussed of all the possible nominees.