The Republicans in America are, after all, alarmed. Ever since
the nomination of Mr. Hoover as the Republi- can candidate they had been saying that he would easily ride into the Presidency on Republican prosperity and that Mr. Al Smith would not have a chance. Now, how- ever, there is a change, and a very marked one. Everybody has been astonished at the triumphal aspect of Mr. Smith's electoral tours. In New England, a stronghold of Republicanism, he has had such a reception from crowds stretching all the way from New York to Boston as has never before been given to a Democratic candidate. There are signs of erosion in the Republican ranks. Here and there groups, confidently reckoned upon as Republi- can, have gone over to the side of Mr. Smith. We all know that electioneers are apt to turn alarm into panic, and it may well be that the loss of confidence among the Republicans is quite unjustified. Nevertheless, the effect of Mr. Smith's engaging and mercurial personality is a very interesting and significant study. As the Washington correspondent of the Times says, a great many people think that they would like to see a smile in the White House. Mr. Hoover may be the " safe " man but Mr. Smith is the charming one.
Previous page
