Gerald Smith ‘seizes’ ballroom for speech
America First crusader invades Republican quarters
Chicago, Illinois – (June 25)
Gerald L. K. Smith, leader of the America First Crusade, caused a minor diversion today by “seizing” the ballroom of the Stevens Hotel, Republican convention headquarters, and holding a rump meeting in the face of disapproval by the convention management.
Mr. Smith, followed by several hundred of those who favor nationalistic views, took over the ballroom to harangue these persons and numerous others, who were drawn in by curiosity, foe about two hours. His speech was marked by equal denunciation of Harrison M. Spangler, chairman of the Republican National Committee; Governor Dewey of New York, and President Roosevelt.
He led his followers in cheers for Col. Robert R. McCormick, publisher of The Chicago Tribune, and Senator Robert Reynolds (D-SC), who is retiring from the Senate and has intimated an intention to form a new national party.
Mr. Smith issued a typewritten statement in which he said that a group of “Independent Republicans,” had reserved the ballroom for his meeting today, but that “pressure” by the Republican leaders caused the hotel to cancel the reservation. This statement was ignored.
No other meeting was scheduled for the time during which Mr. Smith held the ballroom, as he said, “by force.”