A sharp contest between Governor Alfred E. Smith and former Secretary of War Newton D. Baker, and adoption of a plank favoring American intrance into the League of Nations and World Court without reservation, featured the first session of the mock Democratic convention held last night in the New Lecture Hall. The convention will come to order tonight at 7.30 o'clock, and finish its work of adopting a platform and nominating candidates.
About 500 students took part as delegates, and more are expected tonight. The first business this evening will be the completion of the platform, and a spirited contest over the prohibition plank is anticipated. After the adoption of the platform, the third ballot for President will be taken.
The first ballot last night found the votes scattered among 26 men. Smith and Baker led with 162 and 126 votes respectively, but these totals fell short of the number necessary for nomination. In the second ballot, the field narrowed to eight, with Smith receiving 356 and Baker 220.
Sing "Star-Spangled Banner"
The convention was called to order at 8 o'clock by E. J. White 2L., and the delegates rose and sang the "Star-Spangled Banner." Following this, A. M. Barnhart 1G. was nominated for temporary chairman, and unanimously elected.
Barnhart, who is president of the Harvard Democratic Club, made the keynote speech, calling for a return to Wilsonian ideals and a cessation of government by and for monopolies. At the mention of Wilson's name, a picture of the late ex-President was unveiled and greeted with prolonged cheering. Barnhart's attacks upon the policy of isolation and corruption in government also brought aplause.
Following this speech, T. H. Eliot '28 was chosen permanent chairman of the convention. When the organization was completed, the nominating speeches began. The first was delivered by James Roosevelt '30, who named Governor Smith as his choice amid an uproar of applause. Newton D. Baker, Thomas J. Walsh, James A. Reed, and Albert C. Ritchie were put in nomination following Roosevelt's speech. A. F. Reel '28 nominated Senator Burton K. Wheeler and a demonstration followed. C. C. Alpern '28 made a parody of Bryan's famous "Cross of Gold" speech, in favor of Senator J. T. Henin of Alabama, but his candidate received no votes on the second ballot.
First Ballot Indecisive
The first ballot was so widely scattered that no demonstrations took place, but votes that shifted to Smith and Baker on the second roll call brought forth cheering, and parades of delegates, carrying their standards. On the second ballot the Pennsylvania vote for W. B. Wilson of that state was contested, and the delegation was polled by the permanent chairman, and found to be for Smith by a two-vote margain. All the states voted under the unit rule.
The platform planks for entrance in to the League and Court were carried by overwhelming vote, and no opposition planks were submitted.
At the opening of the convention, the delegates were in a constant uprear but after a few minutes they quieted down, and the scene took on all the aspects of a National Convention
Read more in News
Architects Exhibit