PLAYING AT POLITICS

One of the most diverting features of a presidential campaign is the number and enthusiasm of the various minor parties that enter candidates in the race. There is a Farmer-Labor party, a Prohibition party even in these dry times, and until 1924 the Socialists also had a man in the field. Then they were sacrificed to LaFollette's Progressives and are only just being revived. In fact during the last week, while Governor Smith has been attracting crowds at the churches he attended on his Southern trip, that party has been holding a convention in New York to choose candidates and a platform.

Just as in the meetings of its larger, brethren, there have been discussions over wet and dry planks, but the delegates did not devote themselves too seriously to work. For a demonstration of some practical politics they investigated establishments where their doctrines were being applied, attended dinners given in their honor, and between times met to consider the possibilities for nomination open to them.

There is much to be said for this method of carrying on the affairs of state. While Republicans worry over oil bonds and Democrats try to acquire an issue worth supporting, the leaders of their smaller rivals can have all the fun and none of the troubles. Campaign funds are too small to cause any fear of scandal, speeches can be made just as effectively no matter who the listeners, and there is always the hope that one of them may be a modern David and down the Goliaths.