U.S. PRESIDENCY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 8 December 1927, Page 6

U.S. PRESIDENCY

COOLIDGE’S STATEMENT FLURRY ON STOCK EXCHANGE. CONTROVERSY NOT SETTLED. Washington, December 6. President Coolidge advised the Republican National Committee that the Republican party should proceed to select another candidate for the election in 1928. The President's definite views were set forth in a single paragraph issued from White House in a confidential form, in an address to the committee, which is meeting in Washington to select a citv for the national convention next year. the President states: “This is naturally the time to be planning for the future. The party will soon place in nomination a candidate to succeed. To give time for mature deliberation. I stated to the country on August 2 that I did not choose to run in 1928. My state ment stands. No one should be led to suppose I have modified it. My decision will be respected. After 1 had been eliminated the party began, and should continue vigorously, the serious task of selecting another candklate from among the numbers of distinguished 1 men available.’’ —;A. and N.Z.) OUEU' PRESS COMMENT New York, December 6. President Coolidge's statement today, despite the first expectation, does not appear to have settled definitely the controversy whether ne will be a Presidential nominee. Both political comment and leaders throughout the nation show disagreement. The Topeka (Kansas) “Daily Capitol’’ says: “There is a very powerful and well organised movement in the country to put his nomination over.” The San Francisco ''Chronicle” says: “We think President Coolidge has made it strong enougn. so his uncalled-for boosters must quit.” The New York “Times” e ays: “The President has not only clarified the situation, but given a great impetus to the Presidential cam-

paign. This will move forward on the conviction that Mr Coolidge, of his own will and for his own reasons, has taken himself entirely out of it.’’ The “Knickerbocker Press” (Albany) says: “It will not be Calvin Coolidge for President in 1928.” The Washington “Post” says: “Despite evidence of sincerity in the President’s personal wish t<i retire, the question may he decided not by him but by the people of the United States. There is no evidence that they wish him to retire.” Senators Curtis and Borah interpreted the statement as definielv eliminating Mr Coolidge from the Presidency. The chairman (Mr Wood) of the Republican Congressional Committee said: “The statement merely says he does not desire to be a candidate, but it does not say he would not accept nomination as a duty to the party.” Senator Foss said: “The statement docs not entirely eliminate Mr Coolidge for consideration for renomination.” WILLIS TO STAND. One of the immediate effects of the President’s statement was an announcement bv Senator Willis that he will now be a candidate for the Republican Presidential nomination. Mr Hoover, who is regarded as certain to become one of the foremost figures >n the nominating convention contest, declined comment. Mr Dawes, another prominent figure and at present Vice-President, recently stated that he would not be a candidate for remination. Mr Coolidge’s statement caused a brief flurry on the Stock Exchange, and there was considerable selling for profit-taking, but most stocks quickly recovered. —(A. and N.Z.) HUGHES NOT A CANDIDATE. DISAPPOINTED OVER COOLIDGE’S REFUSAL (Reeeiveod 8, 10.5 a.m.) New York, Dec. 7. Mr. C. E. Hughes issued a statement that he would not be a candidate for the Presidency in any sense, and that ho was keenly disappointed over President Coolidge’s refusad tn run.—(A. and N.Z.)