PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

Evening Star, Issue 22460, 3 October 1936, Page 17

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN

DEMOCRATS AND MONETARY STABILISATION , CO-OPERATION WITH EUROPE Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright NEW YORK, October 1. Easily the most important development in the Presidential campaign thus far was the announcement of the cooperation of the United States with European nations towards monetary stabilisation. It is a further illustration of the so-called Roosevelt luck, since it robbed the Republicans of an important issue, stabilisation having been one of the leading promises of their platform, and gave the Democrats an opportunity to show mutual fulfilment by a similar plank in their own platform. American business, moreover, is definitely reassured that it has nothing further to fear from tinkering with currency from President Roosevelt. The whole eposide is thus considered to favour his political fortunes. The Communistic issue appears to have been definitely repudiated by both candidates. The Terra Haute authorities’ zeal in detaining Mr Browder yesterday is also being condemned by the organs of both parties, and his release was secured to-day. while tho contest still continues more or less on the basis of generalities, with President Roosevelt stressing that he is a true Conservative, for ho wishes merely to reform existing economic institutions, and Governor Landon emphasising his opponents’ dangerous regimentation of American life. Vital isolated issues have begun to assume considerably more importance and are receiving greater emphasis from both parties. Among the Liberal supporters of President Roosevelt the point has been made that, in so far as conservation of tho best features of the New Deal are concerned. President Roosevelt’s real opponent is the Supremo Court, and not Governor Landon. They have therefore begun to ask if he is prepared to take the issue of tho Supremo Court’s negation of much of the New Deal legislation to the people, and does he, as a candidate for re-election,, intend to ask for a mandate from the country on this fundamental question? This is likely to become embarrassing to President Roosevelt, because it has been increasingly clear since the Supremo Court’s rulings that the temper of the people is against any considerable changes in the Supreme Court, which institution_ tho Republicans are strongly championing. As a skilful politician, there is very little likelihood that President Roosevelt will make this an issue for re-election, probably contenting himself with presenting the question to the people one way or another, after rather than before tho election.

Straw votes as an index to popular sentiment appear to differ, some, canvasses indicating President Roosevelt’s re-election, whereas the ‘Literary Digest ’ poll’s latest figures give Governor London 138,601 votes. President, Roosevelt 282,524, and Mr I.omkc 29.083. Attacks have been made on this poll that, since the names are taken from telephone directories, a vast number of unemployed and relief workers are therefore not represented. The attacks have been hotly contested bv the editor, who claims that, the poll w ill ,n 1 i iina toly reflect the aclnal result will) mathematical accuracy. This week’s most exciting touch to the presidential campaign, however, appears to have been given by Mr AI Sinith, who in his tirst, important pronouncement uttered a- violent attack on his one-time colleague and .triend. Air Smith said: “1 bear no grudge against the President, but lie fooled me a.s ho fooled millions of Democrats.” Mr Smith added that he forced the nomination of President Roosevelt in 192 S against the protests of practically the entire leadership of the party. “ Tho New Deal welcomes all elements. Even a Communist with a smoking bomb is welcome if he signs on tho dotted line.”