The Pittsburgh Press (April 27, 1944)
Santa Fe, New Mexico (UP) –
New Mexico’s gubernatorial election in November may be one of the fanciest political scraps in the state’s history.
Mrs. Edna Peterson of Albuquerque filed yesterday as a Democratic candidate for the nomination – the first woman in the state to seek the post.
Robert E. Peterson, her husband, has announced he, too, will seek nomination – on the Republican ticket.
Governor’s proven popularity leaves delegates no choice except to back him
By Kermit McFarland
Pennsylvania support for Governor Thomas E. Dewey on the first ballot at the Republican presidential convention in June is practically guaranteed by the write-in votes cast in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
Nearly complete returns from the state’s 8,195 voting precincts today showed that the New York Governor, in an impressive showing of strength, had drawn approximately 140,000 write-in votes in an election which set a record by its small turnout.
Have no alternative
Mr. Dewey’s thus proven popularity among Republican voters in Pennsylvania left the 70 delegates elected to the national convention no choice except to back him on the first ballot, despite the failure of nearly all the delegates to pledge support to the popular choice.
As a result, both Pennsylvania delegations will go to the national conventions prepared to vote as a unit for the two leading candidates for President – Mr. Dewey and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
All of the Democratic delegates were already pledged to the President and he became the voters’ choice by rolling up more than 300,000 votes in the preferential primary Tuesday. He also garnered more than 6,000 write-in votes – 2,000 of them in Allegheny County – on the Republican ballot.
No basis for comparison
Politicians today were busy trying to interpret the results of the presidential poll, but without great success.
While Mr. Dewey’s showing was remarkable, considering that he is not an announced candidate and that his name did not appear on the ballot, a comparison of probable strength between him and the President is not easy on the basis of the Tuesday returns.
Mr. Roosevelt was the only presidential candidate on the Democratic ballot. Thousands of Democratic voters apparently did not indicate a presidential preference, but whether it was because they disapprove of Mr. Roosevelt or because they saw no need of voting in the absence of a contest was a matter for speculation.
Organized movement in east
Governor Dewey’s write-in was sparked in the eastern part of the state by an organized movement and by editorial support of this plan from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Republican daily. However, his vote in western counties, where there was no activity on his behalf, appeared equally impressive.
Only one Congressman fell by the wayside in the primary voting. He was Grant Furlong of Donora, elected two years ago to represent Washington and part of Allegheny Counties. This time, however, because the Congressional districts were reapportioned, he ran in Washington and Greene Counties.
He was beaten in the Democratic primary by Fredericktown physician Dr. Thomas E. Morgan.
Supported by CIO
Dr. Morgan had the backing of the Democratic organizations in Washington and Greene County, but Dr. Furlong was supported by active CIO political groups. Dr. Furlong carried his home county of Washington, but lost Greene by a wide margin.
The principal surprise of the Congressional races was the victory of Eddie McCloskey, turbulent Johnstown politician, in the Democratic primary in Cambria, Armstrong and Indiana Counties.
Mr. McCloskey, beaten for reelection as County Commissioner last year by the leaders of his own party, turned the score on the same faction Tuesday by trouncing their candidate, Westmont insurance agent Robert S. Clark. Mr. McCloskey had previously been Mayor of Johnstown and a state boxing commissioner.
Falls in comeback
In November, Mr. McCloskey will run against Congressman Harve Tibbott (R-Ebensburg), who had no primary competition.
One former Congressman made a successful primary comeback and another failed.
Clinton County manufacturer Robert F. Rich, who in six terms in Congress attracted national attention by his repeated question on the floor, “Where is the money coming from?” was nominated by the Republicans in the new 15th district – Clinton, Lycoming, Potter, Tioga, McKean and Cameron Counties.
He won in a field of four candidates.
Former Congressman Guy L. Moser of Berks County failed in his attempt to defeat Congressman Daniel K. Hoch for the Democratic nomination. Mr. Hoch ousted Mr. Moser two years ago.
Casualty among Senators
Charles A. P. Bartlett, former State Senator, was nominated by Republicans in Northampton, Carbon and Monroe Counties to run in November against Congressman Francis E. Walter of Easton.
Among State Senators, the only casualty of the primary was Senator George A. Deitrick of Sunbury, who was defeated in the Republican primary by William I. Troutman of Shamokin, present Congressman-at-large from Pennsylvania. Mr. Troutman had the backing of Northumberland County Republican leaders.
Only eight of the 190 members of the State House of Representatives who were candidates failed to win renomination. Each party nominated 208 at the primary.
Delivered at dinner of the Bureau of Advertising, American Newspaper Publishers Association, New York City
I am very happy to speak before this wartime gathering of American newspaper publishers. Yours is an essential industry because, in America, the press is a vital part of our war effort, it is a vital part of our whole free system. It is an indispensable element of everything for which we fight.
The tragic history of recent years has shown us vividly that freedom of the press cannot exist where there is no political freedom; but the corollary to this basic truth is perhaps even more important: Political freedom cannot exist without a free press.
An electorate, fully informed on issues, is as fundamental to representative government as the election itself. And full information through the press is the bulwark of the people’s power to check up on their representatives between elections.
We saw it demonstrated in Germany that tyranny can rise to power by the elective process. But in order to stay in power the Nazis immediately set about destroying the freedom of the German press. In all countries men have been elected to office who prove unworthy of the trust. The strength of a free system is that such mistakes need never be fatal. They can be corrected at the polls. But these corrections can be made only if the people are informed.
The precious guarantee in our Constitution of freedom of the press is not a mere guarantee to the press. It is a guarantee to the people that their press shall be free. It imposes an obligation on government to permit free dissemination of news and a duty on the press to print honest news. The right resides in the people because it is basic to their liberties.
Freedom of the press today means more than freedom to print what information can be obtained. It means access to the news. It involves the right of information and a corresponding duty to print it.
All of us recognize the need for military censorship. But there is a dividing line between military news and political news, or, if you will, diplomatic news. It is a dividing line which can never be left without scrutiny – which, throughout the war calls for vigilance. Once the fighting has ceased, we must insist that all censorship of every description cease with it. We shall need then the uncorrupted word of truth.
I am confident of our future because we have, in fact, a great, free press. I believe our publishers generally are today more conscious of their tremendous responsibility than ever before. They will have much to do with the steadfastness with which we fight through this war. They will have much to do with the intelligence and determination with which we face the even more complicated problems of the peace.
The power of the written word lies in shaping the mind and spirit of man toward high achievement. There is, of course, a wide gulf between a statement of fact or of principles, on the one hand, and epithets or empty promises on the other. In recent years, we have had good reason to learn that difference in our domestic affairs. It is not enough to talk about economic security and then pursue policies which promote insecurity. It is not enough to talk about the enterprise system and then pursue a course of action that stifles enterprise.
These experiences with domestic policies cannot be forgotten when we think of foreign policies. All of us are aware that there is great concern and uncertainty among our people over our nation’s foreign policy. Yet I think it is no more than fair to say that we have had some excellent expressions on that subject lately from the Secretary of State, Mr. Hull. In his address of April 9, Mr. Hull certainly offered a statement of basic principles which deserves respect. His pledge to seek the advice and help of members of Congress from both parties is especially welcome.
Nevertheless, these statements have done little to relieve the concern and uncertainty our people feel. That is not primarily because of dissatisfaction with the words Mr. Hull used. It is because we see reported daily in your papers developments from abroad and other statements from high government officials at home which do not seem to fit in altogether with the words Mr. Hull has used. It is because we cannot be sure to what extent our foreign policy is actually being handled by the Secretary of State and to what extent it is being handled privately by the President.
What troubles us is not the main objectives of our foreign policy, but whether that policy will be effectively carried out in accordance with constitutional methods. One way it will succeed. The other way it will surely fail. Foreign policy is not a mere matter of negotiations, of diplomatic maneuvering, or even of treaties and alliances. Foreign policy is the expression of the ideals, traditions and aspirations of a people in their relations with the people of other countries.
In a free republic, there can be no such thing as an administration having an effective foreign policy, unless that policy reflects the will of the people. Here we are, fighting, hoping, praying for a world in which we can have a lasting peace, but in almost every discussion, one simple fact is forgotten: No foreign policy that fails to represent the will of the people will ever last as long as two years. It will not last beyond the next Congressional election.
Among our people, there are differences of opinion with respect to details and methods; but, I insist, there is overwhelming agreement upon the main objectives. Those major objectives are:
To carry on the war to total crushing victory, and in so doing to drive home to the aggressor nations a lesson that will never be forgotten;
To organize in cooperation with other nations a structure of peace backed by adequate force to prevent future wars;
To establish and maintain in our relations with other nations conditions calculated to promote worldwide economic stability not only for the sake of the world, but also to the end that our own people may enjoy a high level of employment in an increasingly prosperous world.
There is, I am confident, no real dissent from those major objectives on the part of any substantial portion of our people. They have been proclaimed by men of all parties and subscribed to by men of all walks of life in all parts of our country. They constitute the fundamental principles of our foreign policy because they represent the will of our people. But once again, let it be said that these objectives cannot be attained by mere words.
As to the winning of the war, the point needs no argument. We shall win the war only by the work and sacrifice of all our people. We shall win it by the courage, strength and suffering of our fighting men and by the unremitting effort of our war production forces at home. To win the peace will require equally great determination, and over a longer period of time. It will not be sufficient when the fighting ceases merely to draw up a treaty and then forget about it. We must not repeat the tragic error of twenty-five years ago.
The central error of our course in 1919 was the false assumption that words could create a peace. Then, as now, there was much wishful thinking. Men everywhere wanted to feel that a treaty which proclaimed peace would suffice to assure it and that from there on they could relax. The war leaders of the world wanted to feel that by signing their names to a treaty, they had brought their task to an end. The very idea that fine words made a peace bore within it the seeds of its own failure.
Within a few years, the reality of Germany bore no relation whatever to the word picture of Versailles. This was because those who drafted the treaty were tired war leaders. They could not find within themselves the physical and mental strength to make the peace a living reality.
We have learned much since 1919. The experience of two world wars has taught us that we cannot remain unaffected by what happens elsewhere in the world. It has shown us also that unprovoked aggression against a freedom-loving people anywhere is an attack upon the peace of the whole world. We may again be tempted to feel that with the defeat of our enemies and a proclamation of peace, we can afford to rest on our oars. But the truth is those years that follow will be decisive. The maintenance of peace will require continuing labor and forbearance. When we have ceased to wage war, we shall have to wage peace.
Germany and Japan must not only be utterly defeated and completely disarmed – they must not be left in a post-war environment which might enable them to maneuver as a balance of power. After 1919, lethargy, jealousy and power politics resumed sway among the Allies. In that environment, Germany quickly eluded the controls of the Treaty of Versailles.
If after this war we reproduce the same political climate, we will get the same results. No initial measures against Germany and Japan, however drastic, will have permanent value unless they fall within the setting of a durable cohesion between Great Britain and ourselves, together, I hope, with Russia and China. To deal effectively with our enemies and also to solve many other post-war problems will, as I have said, require solid relations among the United States, Great Britain, Soviet Russia and China.
We have a long background of friendly working relations with Great Britain and China, which will make easy their continuation. As regards Russia, it would be stupid to ignore the fact that during the twenty-four years between the Soviet revolution and the German attack on Russia, our relations were not of the best. There were faults on both sides. If after this war we relapse into the old suspicions, the future is indeed dark. But there has been genuine improvement growing out of our partnership in this war. The American people have sympathy and admiration for the peoples of the Soviet Union.
There are and still will be fundamental internal differences between our countries. Our economic and social systems will not be the same. But our political dissimilarities from Russia need not be the sources of friction if we seek and find the many practical ways in which we can work to a common end.
Russian affairs are in the hands of hardheaded, realistic leaders. That is nothing we should be afraid of provided we are equally realistic and devoted to our country. If we are, the United States and Russia can deal with each other with candor while building firm and mutual respect and friendship.
Inevitably a major responsibility to work together will fall upon the United States, Britain, Russia and China in the first few years following the war. They will be the strongest nations. They will be the nations with the greatest power to preserve peace or to undermine it.
In some countries, we may for a time face confusion. We must wisely and without intrusion into their domestic affairs seek to make that period as brief as possible. We shall need the participation of these nations. The peace of the world will require the support of all peoples. We are all agreed that there must be prompt measures to establish a system of general international cooperation.
First came the Republican Mackinac Charter, then the Moscow Declaration and the Fulbright and Connolly resolutions. All agree in proposing an arrangement which will regularly bring together the representatives of the nations to discuss, to plan and to seek agreement about matters of common concern. This will not be accomplished to perfection overnight or in a few months. It must be a matter of growth and experience and everlasting hard work.
It will not be possible to solve immediately the economic problems of the world. It will take time and patience to restore currency stability and trade relationships and to promote the general economic wellbeing.
Here it cannot be too greatly emphasized that the role of the United States will be decisive. We will be truly effective in helping with the economic rehabilitation of the world only if we first restore at home a healthy, a vigorous and a growing economy.
There are false prophets who for years have been telling us that America has ceased to grow; that its period of vigor is over. They would have us believe that our economy has become mature. They say it is static, that it can continue to function only by constantly taking ever more expensive patent medicines. Yet these same people now talk glibly of a WPA for all the rest of the world.
To hear them talk, Uncle Sam must play the role of a benevolent but slightly senile gentleman, who seeks to purchase the goodwill of his poor relations by distributing among them the dwindling remains of his youthful earnings.
I utterly reject that proposition. America is still young, still vigorous, still capable of growth. Certainly we shall play the part of a good citizen in the community of nations. We shall deal fairly and generously with our neighbor nations throughout the world. This we shall do because it represents the practical idealism for which America has always stood and because it is good hard common sense. Goodwill cannot be bought with gold. Goodwill flows irresistibly to the man who successfully manages his own affairs, who is self-reliant and independent, yet who is considerate always of the rights and needs of others.
Traditionally, America has occupied this role for 150 years. This country won the admiration of the world because we had here something to which the people of all nations aspired. We had a society of free men who believed in themselves and in the future of their country. We were in sober truth the land of opportunity. Here beyond everywhere else in the world there was a field for economic enterprise and human progress.
For the sake of the men and women who are working and fighting and dying to win this war, for the sake of their children and for the sake of the world, we must work to make America once more the land of opportunity.
It is particularly incumbent on us solemnly to view our obligations tonight. As we meet here, hundreds of thousands of the youth of America stand poised on the shores of Great Britain for the mightiest invasion of a defended coastline in history. Every one of those young men knows that the future of his country and of freedom itself may hang on the success of this terrible venture. Every man knows the price he may have to pay.
Nothing any of us has said here tonight will be of import unless the invasion is crowned by ultimate success. The infinite patience, preparation and training behind this gigantic effort may well serve us as a standard for our own acceptance of our future responsibilities. Surely it is a minimum standard for the infinite patience, preparation and toil we should be willing to give for peace. No sacrifice for peace will ever equal the ultimate sacrifice we expect of our young men in war.
The very least we can do, therefore, as we look ahead tonight to hopes of a peaceful world, is to pledge to ourselves and to those who die for our country that we shall accept the challenge they lay before us. We can resolve to accept the responsibility which our own greatness and importance as a nation place upon us – a responsibility which two world wars have shown is utterly inescapable.
Let us recognize that this peace we pray for and our young men die for will have to be worked for over many years. Let us be flexible, earnest and devoted enough to make it a reality.
If the newspapers of America will accept the challenge of peace as they have of war, we shall have made a great beginning. The years of labor ahead will be successful only if an informed people support the effort – only if they know the size of the task. We shall need in these years, as never before, a courageous and a free press in the United States of America.
The Pittsburgh Press (April 28, 1944)
Alliance advocated with major powers
New York (UP) –
Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York, calling for creation of a peace structure “backed by adequate force to prevent future wars,” proposed today that the United States, Great Britain, Russia and China continue collaboration after the war.
He said:
No initial measures against Germany and Japan, however drastic, will have permanent value unless they fall within the setting of a durable cohesion between Great Britain and ourselves, together, I hope, with Russia and China.
Germany and Japan must not only be utterly defeated and completely disarmed – they must not be left in a post-war environment which might enable them to maneuver as a balance of power.
Governor Dewey’s statements, made at the annual dinner of the Bureau of Advertising of the American Newspaper Publishers Association last night, were his first expression on foreign policy since the Republican conference at Mackinac Island last year, when he advocated a British-U.S. alliance.
The New York executive, considered by many as the leading candidate for the Republican nomination for President this year, proposed three fundamental principles for U.S. foreign policy, which he said would command the support of the American public. He listed them as:
To carry on the war to total crushing victory, and in so doing to drive home to the aggressor nations a lesson that will never be forgotten.
To organize in cooperation with other nations a structure of peace backed by adequate force to prevent future wars;
To establish and maintain in our relations with other nations conditions calculated to promote worldwide economic stability not only for the sake of the world, but also to the end that our own people may enjoy a high level of employment in an increasingly prosperous world.
He said Secretary of State Cordell Hull’s outline of post-war collaboration on April 9 deserved respect, but failed to “relieve the concern and uncertainty our people feel.”
This was due, he added, to the fact that:
We cannot be sure to what extent our foreign policy is actually being handled by the Secretary of State and to what extent it is being handled privately by the President.
He said:
What troubles us is not the main objectives of our foreign policy, but whether that policy will be effectively carried out in accordance with constitutional methods.
Facts and epithets
The New York executive touched briefly on domestic affairs with the assertion that:
It is not enough to talk about a more abundant life if the actions that follow the words leave millions unemployed and dependent upon government for a bare existence.
He said:
In recent years we have had good reason to learn of the wide gulf between a statement of fact or principles, on the one hand, and epithets or empty promises on the other. It is not enough to talk about economic security and then pursue a course of action that stifles enterprise.
He said:
Our political dissimilarities with Russia need not be the source of friction if we seek and find the many practical ways in which we can work to a common end. Russian affairs are in the hands of hardheaded, realistic leaders. That is nothing we should be afraid of, provided we are equally realistic and devoted to our country.
Governor Dewey concluded with praise for American newspapers, which he called a vital part of the war program and a vital part of the nation’s free system.
Eric Johnston, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said urgent necessities of war have made expansion of government controls inevitable, but that only action by the people will check an increasing spread of government when the war has been won.
He called on the nation’s press to take the lead in making the coming presidential campaign one of “calm reason rather than blind prejudice.”
GOP leader renews attack on New Deal
Atlantic City, New Jersey – (special)
In another of a series of speeches he has been delivering against the Roosevelt administration, G. Mason Owlett, Pennsylvania member of the Republican National Committee, charged here today that “the war we are fighting against dictatorship in other lands is being used to advance dictatorship through bureaucracy in America.”
Mr. Owlett, also president of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, addressed a convention of the Pennsylvania Self-Insurers’ Association.
‘Menace to enterprise’
He said:
Certainly, Mr. Churchill’s intensive drive for victory has not been diverted by political considerations, as is the case with our leadership in Washington. In this country, with an election approaching, it becomes more and more evident that the active duties of our government are evenly divided between prosecuting the war and spendings untold millions in public money to perpetuate the New Deal in power.
Men of business and industry recognize the New Deal as a menace to all enterprise for the reason that it has sought to establish a policy of iron-fisted regimentation for individual initiative and freedom. Whenever any administration can silence criticism, crush opposition and refuse to be accountable to the people for its acts, whether we are at peace or war, free government in the United States is dead and the American way is gone…
Voters to be tested
The socialistic policies of the New Deal have given us a complete political anarchy in Washington.
The intelligence of American voters will be tested this year by their capacity to discern that the war itself is not a political issue and that our liberties depend upon the restoration of constitutional government as well as the defeat of our enemies abroad.
The virility of American voters will be tested by their capacity to resist class agitation, paternalistic buncombe and the implication that free political expression is analogous to treason.
The fact that more than 140,000 Pennsylvania Republicans voted for Governor Thomas E. Dewey as their presidential choice, in a primary marked by exceedingly light voting, is of real importance.
We say this without regard to the political implications in Republican pre-convention politics. The interesting and vital feature of this big vote was the fact that the voters had to write in the name of the New York Governor – that it was an expression of individual choice rather than of machine manipulation.
The political bosses of the Republican Party in Pennsylvania saw to it that no name of a presidential candidate appeared om the primary ballot – thus trying to defeat the purpose of the primary, which is to give voters a chance to express their desires as regards party nominees.
Therefore, the voters had to write in Mr. Dewey’s name. In the eastern part of the state, there was some organized movement to encourage such write-ins for Mr. Dewey and one Philadelphia newspaper gave it editorial support. But elsewhere neither politicians nor newspapers encouraged a write-in campaign, and what happened was therefore the individual and independent work of the voters.
Incidentally, there were about 25,000 write-ins in Allegheny County – where independent voters have long been a vital force in elections – while in Philadelphia there were only about 11,000 write-ins despite newspaper and political advocacy of them.
We are always strong for anything that encourages independence in politics. We like to see voters select candidates without regard to party labels; in fact, we’d like to see party labels eliminated from the ballot so that voters would have to make their choices on an individual basis instead of voting straight tickets.
The writing in of names in a primary is likewise an expression of independent judgment. It requires both intelligence and some trouble on the party of the voter; and in this case it served to upset the desires of party bigwigs who wanted to be left free to manipulate Pennsylvania’s 70 convention delegates without any instructions.
While the top-heavy vote for Governor Dewey is not binding on the delegates chosen last Tuesday, it was such a clear expression of rank-and-file wishes that probably few delegates will feel free to ignore it.
And the heavy write-in vote demonstrates that the people really can use primaries in a constructive manner, even though the party bosses try to keep them from doing so.
There was more statesmanship than politics in Governor Dewey’s foreign policy address last night.
The fact that he chose to put himself on record is, in itself, significant. He is sitting petty as a potential draft candidate for the Presidency; under the political rules, all he has to do is keep his mouth shut and coast into the nomination. But whether he is or is not a candidate, he takes a stand on the big issue.
It is not a partisan stand. He does not try to copyright for one party the common aspirations of our people, as some others have done. He does not confuse the small minorities – the isolationists and international extremists – with the vast majority in favor of the responsible American world collaboration pledged in the bipartisan Fulbright and Connally resolutions.
Unlike shortsighted politicians who magnify minority division for campaign purposes, he emphasizes that America is overwhelmingly united in war aims and peace aims. And he gives Secretary of State Hull deserved credit for stating them.
Mr. Dewey’s own summary of those major objectives has the force of brevity and clarity:
To carry on the war to total crushing victory… To organize in cooperation with other nations a structure of peace backed by adequate force… To promote worldwide economic stability, not only for the sake of the world, but also to the end that our own people may enjoy a high level of employment in an increasingly prosperous world.
But mouthing fine phrases won’t win the peace, any more than the war. Mr. Dewey’s chief contribution to this discussion is his warning that words are not enough. Neither points, nor charters, nor treaties, nor alliances nor international organization will preserve peace automatically. Only as we “wage peace” – patiently, constructively and continuously – will we escape repetition of the 1919 peace that failed.
The thing that troubles Mr. Dewey is the apparent conflict between officially stated American war aims and daily developments abroad. He states bluntly the problem usually evaded by wishful thinkers, do-gooders and campaign orators:
Germany and Japan must not only be utterly defeated and completely disarmed – they must not be left in a post-war environment which might enable them to maneuver as a balance of power. After 1919, lethargy, jealousy and power politics resumed sway among the Allies… If after this war we reproduce the same political climate, we will get the same results.
Mr. Dewey says the chief responsibility is ours, and Britain’s, Russia’s, China’s – working together and with the smaller nations for a better world order. He offers no shortcuts, no easy road. He warns that it will be hard. But he believes that a young, strong, considerate America can lead the way by its example at home and by its common-sense cooperation abroad.
The Governor, who rarely discusses foreign policy, seems to know more than some who talk so much about it.
Columbus, Ohio (UP) –
A special session of the Ohio General Assembly last night passed and sent to Governor John W. Bricker for signature as an emergency measure a bill providing for absentee voting by Ohio members of the armed services.
The bill provides that absentee ballots be ready 90 days before the November election instead of the present 30 days; applications for absentee voter ballots may be made by the soldiers, by mail or in person, or for them by relatives; applications received Jan. 1 and until Nov. 4 shall be considered valid, and ballots will be accepted from soldiers until noon of Election Day.
Evanston, Illinois –
A “Beer-for-Evanston” party was launched here today by two staff members of The Daily Northwestern, student publication at Northwestern University. The party advocated a three-point program advocating beer for the United Nations, assurance that all men in all lands may live out their lives in freedom from fear and want of beer and establishment of an international police force to aid in the democratic distribution of beer.
The Pittsburgh Press (April 29, 1944)
Washington (UP) –
New foreign policy declarations by three leading Republicans pointed strongly today toward a GOP platform pledging U.S. participation in an international organization to preserve peace and promote world economic stability.
That theme appeared in statements during the week by two leading presidential possibilities – Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York and Governor John W. Bricker of Ohio – and Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg (R-MI), ranking active Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Mr. Bricker outlined his views in a speech Tuesday night and Mr. Dewey spoke on foreign policy Thursday night. Mr. Vandenberg went on record last night in an exchange of correspondence with John Sampson, American correspondent for the London Daily Mirror.
Mr. Bricker declared that the four great Allied powers (Russia, China, England and the United States) must assume joint of the peace “until a permanent international organization can be established.”
Mr. Dewey spoke of cooperating with other nations in building “a structure of peace backed by adequate force to prevent future wars” and of promoting worldwide economic stability “not only for the sake of the world, but also to the end that our own people may enjoy a high level of employment.”
Mr. Vandenberg said that:
American self-interest includes rational and practical international cooperation with Britain and all the other sovereign United Nations to stabilize peace, justice and economy.
The response among Senate Republicans, to whom any treaty setting up such international cooperation must be submitted for ratification, was generally favorable.
Mr. Vandenberg, who drafted the GOP Mackinac Charter pledging international cooperation to maintain the peace, said his party will keep that pledge if it wins the November election but that the United States will not join a world state.
In reply to Mr. Sampson’s questions, he said that he could answer only for himself, not the party, but he believed that:
The next Republican administration first of all would be dedicated to swift and total victory over both Germany and Japan.
Would guard U.S. interests
Mr. Sampson had asked whether, if the Republicans win the election, the United States would tend to withdraw from the field of international cooperation, whether there would be any material change in Anglo-American relations and what would be the Republican attitude toward a “strong and united British Commonwealth of Nations after the war.”
Mr. Vandenberg said that while the United States would not join a world state, “it will vigilantly protect essential and legitimate American self-interest precisely as Mr. Churchill repeatedly asserts his vigorous purpose to protect British self-interest.”
Mr. Vandenberg added that he thought permanent friendship and fair play between the United States and Great Britain are indispensable.
The Pittsburgh Press (April 30, 1944)
Position is made ‘entirely unequivocal’
Allied HQ, Southwest Pacific (UP) –
Gen. Douglas MacArthur declared unequivocally today that he is not a candidate for the Presidency of the United States and would not accept the nomination if it were offered to him.
Gen. MacArthur’s statement repudiated the efforts of some political leaders in the United States to place his name before the Republican convention in Chicago in June.
“In order to make my position entirely unequivocal, I request that no action be taken that would link my name in any way with the nomination, his statement said, “I do not covet it, nor would I accept it.”
Gen. MacArthur said his statement was prompted by a number of critical newspaper articles which charged that the candidacy of any high-ranking officer on active service at the front would be detrimental to the war effort.
His statement follows:
On my return from the Hollandia operations, I have had brought to my attention a number of newspaper articles professing in the strongest terms a widespread public opinion that it is detrimental to our war effort to have an officer in high position, on active service at the front, considered for nomination for the office of President.
I have on several occasions announced that I was not a candidate for the position. Nevertheless, in view of these circumstances, in order to make my position entirely unequivocal, I request that no action be taken that would link my name in any way with the nomination. I do not covet it, nor would I accept it.
Several mentioned by both parties
By Lyle C. Wilson, United Press staff writer
Washington – (April 29)
The trend toward selection of President Roosevelt and Governor Thomas E. Dewey to head the major party tickets this year suggests that the national convention contests will center around the vice-presidential nominations.
Neither Mr. Roosevelt nor Mr. Dewey is an avowed candidate for the presidential nomination. But the President’s renomination is inevitable unless he refuses to ruin. Whatever may have been said of his third term selection, there is every evidence that the Democratic Party is determined to draft him for a fourth term.
Dewey in lead
Mr. Dewey is less securely established, but in the first four months of this campaign year, he has consistently topped all others in the expressed and implied favor of Republicans.
Mr. Dewey was the favorite, also, when the Republican National Convention met in 1940. The 1,000 convention votes then were scattered among 13 persons on the first ballot. Mr. Dewey polled 360, Senator Robert A. Taft (R-OH) 189, Wendell L. Willkie 105, and Senator Arthur H. Vandenberg (R-MI) 76.
Mr. Dewey’s strength steadily diminished and Mr. Taft’s and Mr. Willkie’s steadily increased until the sixth ballot when Mr. Willkie went over the top. He had passed Mr. Taft on the third.
Warren mentioned
Mr. Dewey’s position appears this year to be much better – so much that if nominated he may be able to choose, and obtain nomination of a vice-presidential running mate without a real contest.
Many observers believe Governor Earl Warren of California would be the most suitable running mate for an Eastern presidential nominee. But there are others available in case Mr. Warren, as reported, prefers other employments. Mr. Warren has a large family and no personal fortune. Governor John W. Bricker of Ohio is making an aggressive campaign for the presidential nomination. If he misses the top spot, he would be a prize for second place.
Others listed
Other frequently mentioned include LtCdr. Harold E. Stassen (former Governor of Minnesota), Rep. Everett M. Dirksen of Illinois (one of the ablest members of the House), Governor Dwight Griswold of Nebraska and Rep. Joseph W. Martin Jr. of Massachusetts (House Republican Leader).
Mr. Roosevelt, if he is renominated, will determine whether there will be a convention floor fight over the vice-presidential nomination. By refusing to accept nomination himself unless he had a free hand in choosing his running mate, the President undoubtedly could compel the convention to accept his choice.
If that choice were Vice President Henry A. Wallace, there would be at least a minority explosion of considerable force.
Barkley, Rayburn?
Organization leaders who ultimately hope to regain party control from the Roosevelt faction of the party probably would meet such a maneuver by proposing “a man more satisfactory to themselves but whim it would be difficult for Mr. Roosevelt to oppose.”
Senator Alben W. Barkley (D-KY), Senate Democratic Leader, is mentioned as a possible compromise vice-presidential nominee.
Speaker Sam Rayburn (D-TX) has backers, as does Senator Harry S. Truman (D-MO).
By Robert Taylor, Press Washington correspondent
Washington –
Last Tuesday’s apathetic Pennsylvania primary created three lame ducks in the House of Representatives, but two of them are voluntary lame ducks who are running with formidable backing for other jobs.
The sole Congressman who was involuntarily eliminated is Democratic Rep. Robert Grant Furlong, Donora physician and first victim of the 1943 reapportionment of Pennsylvania Congressional districts. Mr. Furlong is a first-termer, elected in 1942 from the patchwork 25th district, composed of Washington County and part of Allegheny County, which was a feature of the compromise 1942 apportionment.
The district reverted to its former boundaries when the present Republican Legislature reapportioned for the second time, and became the Washington-Greene district. Mr. Furlong won in his home country; was defeated in Greene.
Two years ago, Mr. Furlong was strongly backed by the United Mine Workers and the Democratic organization. He was elected by the slender margin of 413 votes out of a total of 76,219. His voting record has been consistently pro-labor and in support of administration policies.
Republican Rep. William I. Troutman of Shamokin, elected as Congressman-at-Large under the makeshift 1942 apportionment, couldn’t run again for the same job because the at-large post was eliminated in the new apportionment.
To remain in Congress, Mr. Troutman would have had to run against Rep. Ivor D. Fenton, Schuylkill County Republican. Instead, he ran for nomination to the State Senate against Republican Senator George A. Dietrick in the 27th district (Northumberland County), and eliminated Mr. Dietrick from the running.
Mr. Troutman, an attorney, became Congressman-at-Large with the support of his brother-in-law, Henry Lark, Northumberland County Republican leader. Mr. Dietrick, a member of the Senate for eight years, fought consistently with Mr. Lark’s organization and will be replaced with a more friendly member.
Two in one district
The third lame duck in the House is Rep. Francis J. Myers, Philadelphia Democrat, who didn’t run for renomination because of his designation as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate against the veteran Senator James J. Davis. Both were unopposed in the primary.
The new reapportionment caused the unusual situation of pitting two members of Congress against each other in the November election in Philadelphia’s new 3rd district.
Republican Rep. Joseph M. Pratt, who was elected only three months ago to replace Democrat James P. McGranery in the former 2nd district, is now in the 3rd district, represented by Democratic Rep. Michael J. Bradley.
Mr. Bradley, with some labor backing, was a strong contender for the Democratic endorsement for U.S. Senator, withdrawing only at the last moment in favor of Rep. Myers. He now must campaign against an opponent who turned a normally-Democratic district Republican.
Only four of the 19 Republican Congressmen from Pennsylvania who sought renomination had any opposition in the primary and all of them came through unscathed.
Party regularity
The renomination of 19 Republican Congressmen and 11 Democratic members and the loss of only one incumbent candidate is a sort of testimonial to the party regularity among Pennsylvania Congressmen.
The state’s delegation here splits along party lines in the voting in the House with such monotonous regularity that nobody has to wait for the official count to find out how his Congressman voted. If he’s Republican, he supports the party policy; if he’s a Democrat, his vote is for the administration.
There will be more – perhaps many more – Congressional lame ducks from Pennsylvania after Nov. 7. By common agreement, the most important factor, and the question Congressmen would like to have answered, is: How well will President Roosevelt run in Pennsylvania this time?
The Pittsburgh Press (May 1, 1944)
Columbus, Ohio (UP) –
Governor John W. Bricker said today that criticism by Secretary of the Interior Harold L. Ickes of his statement that local communities should have a voice in post-war resettlement of Japanese-Americans was an attempt “to take the mind of the country off the mismanagement of these Japanese relocation camps.”
Mr. Ickes’ criticism followed a statement by Governor Bricker that the “rights and wishes” of West Coast communities should be considered in post-war resettlement plans and that “disloyal and non-citizen Japanese should be returned to Japan.”
Governor Bricker said:
The New Dealers don’t understand the Japanese any more now than in the pre-Pearl Harbor days when they tried by a program of appeasement to handle the Japanese situation. They permitted the Japs to fortify mandated islands in violation of treaties and failed to take notice of Japanese plans which led to the disgraceful attack at Pearl Harbor and took no steps to protect ourselves.
Critics of Roosevelt hint at jealousy
By Lyle C. Wilson, United Press staff writer
Washington –
There was speculation here today whether Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s unqualified disavowal of presidential aspirations would put him in line for a return to the United States for military conferences.
He is the only officer of comparable rank or command responsibilities who has not been brought back to this country for one reason or another since Pearl Harbor.
There has been no hint whether failure to include him in mainland discussions has been on his own motion or for lack of any invitation from the War Department. Some of Gen. MacArthur’s top subordinates have been back.
Jealousy a factor?
Unfriendly critics of the Roosevelt administration have suggested that Gen. MacArthur had not been summoned home because there was no desire to give him an opportunity to become the center of political demonstrations here.
Others have suggested that there was military opposition to his return on the ground that he might say something which would encourage pressure groups to demand greater allocations of men and munitions to the Southwest Pacific at the expense of the European Theater. Still others believed Gen. MacArthur could have returned anytime at his convenience but simply wanted to remain with his own command.
In any event, his return now could have slight political significance, if any. Gen. MacArthur’s statement that he would not accept the presidential nomination if tendered definitely removed him from the contest.
Roosevelt, Dewey silent
There remains now the paradoxical situation in which the only candidates with respect to whom there has been no conclusive and public statement of political intentions are the two men most generally regarded as the probable presidential contestants this year – President Roosevelt and Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York.
Mr. Dewey’s position is that he will not seek the Republican presidential nomination and that he prefers to serve out his four-year term as governor. He was elected in 1942. Mr. Roosevelt has smilingly parried questions whether he is a fourth-term candidate or would accept if nominated.
Uncertainty regarding either Mr. Roosevelt or Mr. Dewey, however, is strictly technical. The Democratic National Committee, the big city Democratic organizations in New Jersey, New York and Chicago and most of the party leaders are preparing to nominate Mr. Roosevelt. He has not said anything to dissuade them.
Neither has Mr. Dewey raised any bar to the extraordinarily successful pre-convention campaign being conducted by his admirers.
Gen. MacArthur’s contrastingly unequivocal withdrawal astonished political Washington since he had such excellent precedent for avoiding a definite statement.
The impression here is that Gen. MacArthur was a receptive – and more likely hopeful – aspirant for the Republican nomination until he learned of the unfavorable reaction to publication here of letters he had written to Rep. A. L. Miller (R-NE).
Roosevelt assailed
Mr. Miller assailed the Roosevelt administration in a letter to the general and got in return a letter saying that Gen. MacArthur agreed with the “complete wisdom and statesmanship of your comments.” The general also intimated his dissatisfaction with allocations of men and munitions to his theater.
It is possible the War Department admonished Gen. MacArthur upon publication of that correspondence and hinted that her had better get out of politics – and quickly. Something evidently changed the general’s point of view.
On April 16, three days after publication of the Miller correspondence, Gen. MacArthur issued a communiqué denying he was a presidential candidate but adding a paragraph which was accepted immediately by his supporters as meaning that he was receptive and would run if nominated.
‘Military man’ mentioned
Possibly even more illuminating was a report received in the Washington Bureau of the United Press Jan. 27 from a visitor to Gen. MacArthur’s headquarters. This summary of political sentiment was by an experienced observer and it was remarked that the dispatch passed through Gen. MacArthur’s own censorship.
Its most striking sentence was a suggestion that MacArthur believed an experienced soldier in the White House would bring an earlier victory in the war.
The report said:
It would not be surprising if MacArthur felt – as do a good many here – that the shortest way to victory would be to place an experienced military man in the White House.
The report reflected the impression at his headquarters that Gen. MacArthur would neither declare his availability nor withdraw his name from consideration for the Republican nomination, but would “let events take their course.”
Between Jan. 27 and last week, something evidently jarred Gen. MacArthur considerably to cause him to say now of the nomination, “I do not covet it nor would I accept it.”
Washington (UP) –
One Republican and three Democratic incumbent Senators will seek renomination this week in primaries in Alabama, Florida, Maryland and South Dakota.
Maryland voters open the political activity today at primaries which and Senator Millard E. Tydings, a Democrat, opposed for renomination by four aspirants, with Willis R. Jones of Baltimore furnishing the most active opposition.
Other Senators seeking renomination this week are Claude E. Pepper (D-FL), ardent administration supporter; Listen Hill (D-AL), and Chan Gurney (R-SD).
The Maryland Republican nomination is being sought by Rives Matthews (Princess Anne publisher who recently charged a state official with misusing gasoline rations), Paul Robertson and Blanchard Randall Jr., both of Baltimore.
Eighteen delegates to the Democratic convention and 16 to the Republican – all apparently uninstructed – will also be chosen in Maryland as well as candidates for six Congressional seats.
Tomorrow’s Florida primary has attracted the greater national interest. Mr. Pepper, outspoken pre-Pearl Harbor interventionist, is opposed for renomination by four men – Jacksonville Judge Ollie Edmunds, Jacksonville lawyer Alston Cockrell, Daytona Beach lawyer Millard B. Conklin and Lake City realtor Finley Moore.
Florida will also choose 18 delegates to the Democratic convention from a ballot that includes a slate favoring Senator Harry F. Byrd (D-VA) for the presidential nomination. Most of the others favor President Roosevelt.
In Alabama, Mr. Hill is opposed for renomination by Birmingham attorney James A. Simpson.
Mr. Gurney faces opposition for the Republican senatorial nomination in South Dakota where voters will also choose 11 Republicans and eight Democrats to the national conventions.
Candidates for two Congressional seats as well as gubernatorial candidates will be chosen in South Dakota while Alabama will select candidates for nine House seats.
Delegates to national conventions will also be chosen this week in North Carolina and Washington.
The Pittsburgh Press (May 2, 1944)
Norfolk, Nebraska (UP) –
Senator Ralph Owen Brewster (R-ME) quoted “one of the best-informed Democrats in Washington” yesterday as saying “President Roosevelt is one of the greatest politicians and one of the worst administrators the world has ever seen.”
Mr. Brewster did not identify the Washington Democrat in his keynote speech to the Republican State Convention.
The New England Senator charged that:
The New Deal was considerably concerned over the youth of Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York. There are others of us who think this administration is too old.
Mr. Brewster called Mr. Dewey “a young David who may be the one to slay the Goliath of bureaucracy that now dominates in Washington.”
Democratic incumbent victor by 3–1
By the United Press
Two stalwart New Deal Senators sought renomination against strong opposition in Democratic primaries in Florida and Alabama today as results from yesterday’s Maryland primary showed that Senator Millard E. Tydings, Democratic incumbent, was renominated by better than a three-to-one margin.
Senator Claude Pepper sought renomination in Florida and Senator Lister Hill in Alabama, both nominations tantamount to election.
Mr. Hill, Democratic whip in the Senate and a loyal New Dealer, was opposed by Birmingham attorney James A. Simpson, who campaigned on a platform of “less bureaucracy and more states’ rights.”
Republicans went to the polls in South Dakota with Senator Chan Gurney seeking renomination.
Opposed by four
Mr. Pepper had four opponents – Jacksonville Judge Ollie Edmonds, Alston Cockrell of Jacksonville, Finley Moore of Lake City and Millard B. Conklin of Lake City.
Blanchard Randall Jr., Baltimore banker, won the Republican senatorial nomination. His nearest opponent was Paul Robertson, Baltimore Central Republican Committee chairman. The only other contestant was Rives Matthews, country editor.
There was a six-man race for governor in Florida and five Congressional races. Leading candidates for governor were Millard Caldwell of Tallahassee, Ernest R. Graham of Miami and Lex Green of Starke.
Congressmen seeking renomination in Alabama included Reps. Joe Starnes, Sam Hobbs, Albert Rains and Carter Manasco. Voters in both Alabama and Florida will select delegations to the Democratic National Convention.
Willkie slate wins
In Maryland, with returns from 937 out of 1,326 precincts tabulated, Mr. Tydings had 51,175 votes against 14,043 for Willis R. Jones, his closest opponent in the five-man Democratic senatorial race.
In the Republican contest for delegates to the GOP nominating convention, an uninstructed delegation was leading a slate pledged to Wendell L. Willkie, 9,839 to 3,145 with 819 precincts reported.
Mr. Willkie’s name was placed on the ballot before he withdrew from the Republican presidential race. Some voters disregarded the facts that write-in votes are not counted in Maryland primaries, and wrote in the name of Governor Thomas E. Dewey of New York.
The Pittsburgh Press (May 3, 1944)
New Deal supported in Southern primaries
By the United Press
Four states gave a stamp of approval to the wartime conduct of their Congressmen today as Alabama, Florida, Indiana and South Dakota tabulated the results of their primary elections.
Senators Claude Pepper of Florida and Lister Hill of Alabama, strong supporters of the Roosevelt administration, were returned to their seats by wide margins.
Tantamount to election
Democratic nomination is equal to election in the South.
The primaries showed, state by state.
ALABAMA: State Senator James A. Simpson conceded his defeat by Senator Hill who was leading 100,318 to 80,919 on the basis from return from 1,748 of the state’s 2,500 boxes. Rep. Joe Starnes, a member of the Dies Committee, lost a nip-and-tuck race to Albert Rains, with 12,003 votes to Rains’ 13,118. He was the only Congressman unseated thus far.
Other Alabama Congressmen were having minor trouble. Rep. Carter Manasco was forced into a runoff against J. H. Deason when he failed to obtain a majority in a three-man race. Rep. John P. Newsome failed to pick up a majority in the 9th district and probably will face former Congressman Luther Patrick in a runoff.
FLORIDA: Pepper had 132,000 votes to 86,375 for his nearest opponent, Judge Ollie Edmunds of Jacksonville in a five-man race, for a clean-cut majority and avoided a runoff. Meager returns showed 10 residential delegates pledged to President Roosevelt and seven pledged to Senator Harry F. Byrd of Virginia leading,
INDIANA: Rep. Charles M. La Follette, defeated Maj. Chester V. Lorch of the Army Air Forces in the 9th district Republican race, the only close Congressional contest. The remaining incumbents (eight Republicans, two Democrats) were unopposed or renominated by wide margins.
SOUTH DAKOTA: A Dewey slate of 11 delegates to the Republican convention was leading a slate pledged to LtCdr. Harold E. Stassen (former Governor of Minnesota) 27,999 to 18,869. Both Democratic slates, one entered in opposition to that chosen by the state party leaders, were pledged to President Roosevelt. Senator Chan Gurney led Lieutenant Governor A. C. Miller 35,106 to 27,021, for the Republican senatorial nomination on the basis of returns from 1,407 of the state’s 1,963 precincts.
Pepper secures majority
In the Florida majority, the three other candidates – Millard Conklin of Daytona Beach, Alston Cockrell of Jacksonville, and Finley Moore of Lake City – apparently failed to obtain even enough votes to check Senator Pepper’s majority and force him into a runoff with Edmunds. Negroes cast their ballots in the Florida primary for the first time. Senator Pepper campaigned on a platform of solid support for the national administration and contended that his opponents attacked him only to stab President Roosevelt in the back.
Senator Hill was also a setback to hopes of anti-administration leaders of a revolt in the Democratic South. He hailed his victory as “a verdict for America’s war effort.” Senator Hill, who nominated President Roosevelt for a third term, based his entire campaign on his support of the administration while Simpson pleaded for “less bureaucracy and more states’ rights.”
By Lyle C. Wilson, United Press staff writer
Washington (UP) –
President Roosevelt has apparently changed his political tactics since 1938 when he undertook to purge from the Democratic Party a number of members of Congress whom he regarded as too conservative for the New Deal.
Regardless of fourth-term intentions, Mr. Roosevelt now appears to be willing to accept Democratic Congressional candidates as primary voters select them in this presidential election year.
This attitude is accepted by some persons here as further evidence that he is reconciled to the evident determination of most of his party colleagues to draft him for another term. A man who foresees himself about to begin a campaign is not likely to undertake to read anybody out of his own party.
Senator Millard E. Tydings (D-MD) was renominated this week in a moderately spirited primary and by an overwhelming margin over his several opponents. No word from the White House challenged Mr. Tydings’ fitness to remain in the Senate this time.
Conducted personal fight
Mr. Tydings was one of four members of Congress Mr. Roosevelt himself sought to defeat in primary contests in 1938. The President conducted the fight himself against renomination of Tydings, Senator Ellison D. “Cotton Ed” Smith (D-SC), Senator Walter F. George (D-GA) and Rep. John J. O’Connor (D-NY). Senators Tydings, Smith and George were triumphantly renominated and they are up again this year.
Another whom the White House sought to purge in 1938 was Senator Guy M. Gillette (D-IA). The job was handed to Harry L. Hopkins – then, as now, a close personal and political friend of Mr. Roosevelt’s. Mr. Hopkins was born in Iowa and he backed a candidate against Mr. Gillette in the Iowa Democratic primaries. But Mr. Gillette came through with votes to spare. This year, Mr. Gillette has received a presidential blessing.
Transcontinental journey
Mr. Gillette’s primary comes this year June 5. South Carolina votes Aug. 29 and Georgia’s primary comes July 4.
Mr. Roosevelt made his extraordinary incursion into Democratic primaries in July 1938 in a transcontinental journey which broke political seismographs throughout the country.
Mr. Roosevelt was greatly moved in his direct and indirect action against various Democrats in 1938 by resentment of their opposition to his attempt to reorganize the Supreme Court by legislative process. But after the coast-to-coast journey was completed, one of his closest associates explained that the long-range objective was “control of the Democratic Party by the liberal elements in preparation for the 1940 campaign.”
“That means, naturally,” he said, “reducing the strength of the conservatives.”
For whatever it is worth, some men regarded as too conservative for renomination in 1938 apparently will not be opposed on that or any other grounds this year.