The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 1928.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 June 1928, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 29, 1928.

PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES. Teie political atmosphere engendered by the approaching presidential election is now clearing. After the usual fanfare of party ebullitions Mr Hoover was declared the Republican candidate for what Mr Coolidge (retiring President) has declared is “the most important position in the world.” Mr Coolidge is completing his second term, and had he but said the word he would have been again the party choice for the exalted position. Mr Coolidge though he has been of a negative character largely, in that he lias not boon as assertivo as a Roosevelt or a M ilson, yet he has been decisive, and has carried his own convictions even against his party. He has been essentially a safe candidate, and as such the nation has trusted him. Though ho has served his country faithfully and he is now well prepared to retire with his honors In doing so he left the field clear for Mr Hoover as the party nominee Mr Hoover has served no less faithfully under Mr Coolidge, who had special opportunities of gauging Mr Hoover’s capabilities. There is no doubt ho was a good executive officer and a capable administrator. In that respect his work and his service speaks for itself. Doubtless therefore the Republicans chose wisely. Now it is the turn of the Democrats to make their choice. Governor A 1 Smith, at the time of writing, appears to be a certainty for selection, but it remains to be seen what will be his chances against Mr Hoover when the final test comes in | the Electoral College. Mr Smith has talents and a reputation which should carry him far. As Governor of New York his qualifications are said to have proved exceptional. A critic has said that “in ability, in character, and in long experience of public life he- is an admirable candidate.” He is not a prohibitionist in a prohibition country, but the Democratic party’s platform stands for enforcing the law in regard to prohibition, and if elected no doubt Mr Smith will stand loyally by his promises. Some opposition is being offered to his candidature also because ho is a Roman Catholic, but under neither count can there lie said to be serious objection when in other respects the candidate is so capable, and in fact of outstanding ability. America will soon decide its fate for the next term, and it will not bo surprising if during the proceedings there is somo fluctuation in finance. The? barometer acts and reacts very easily in sympathy with events in the political arena. This was indicated during the Hoover polling, when it was found in the long last Mr Coolidge would not accept nomination under any conditions. The Stock Exchange indulged in a wild panic, and business recorded during the drop in prices was phenomenal. The cause has been explained that Mr Coolidge has been eminently a safe man, and until Mr Hoover is tested (if he be elected) the financial magnates do not quite know where they might bo 1 That, however, can he only an assumption at this stage, but it shows the sensitiveness of the money market, and how little it takes on occasions to start a panic. The issue itself may have some similar effect just as a passing phase, but matters will soon react and become normal once the United States settles down to accept the new President at his face value. The passing agitation and fears in financial circles will soon be appeased in AYall Street, when it is clear finally who the new- choice will be.. Evidently the Democrats are making a big bid on this occasion, and nothing being certain in politics, have a brighter chance than usual of winning the coveted position.

he opening of Parliament yesterday as not marked by anything more relarkable than a Speech from the hrone on orthodox lines. The poll till situation of the country has been ell combed during tho recess, and !iere has been much general criticism, lie oi>ponents of the Government have ave moved about freely and there as been more platform work than sual in discussing public questions, ’lie overshadowing issue has been uninvployment, derivable from several auses and each has been well probed, ’here is no immediate cure for it, and he best the Government can do is o go on tho policy of the past, meetng special emergencies as they arise. L'liere is, nevertheless, a promise of something with regard to a new poicy affecting land settlement, or placug more peoplo on tho land. This will loserve all sympathetic support, for t is essential to increase the number af primary producers to assist the Dominion to forgo ahead. There arc many amendments promised as usual to existing laws, but so far as tho outline in the Speech is concerned, those debating it, will not find a great leal that is provocative. The Prime Minister, it would appear, proposes to set. things in order before the election, and that can best ho done by finalising work previously in hand, or taking up the matter of promises unfulfilled ami doing something to redeem them before awkward questions are asked at Lite polls. As matters are progressing in New Zealand, the Government, it is i-ilear from Minister’s speeches and v statements, have their hands full with/ administrative affairs, and are content with straightening out these issues before entering on now policy liiov|es. Consequently the GovernorGeneral’s Speech fails to disclose matters of a startling or even mildly interesting character. There is one aspect of tho political situation which is of some general interest. There is a Cabinet vacancy, and two prospective vacancies. These might be of use by polling decision time in the matter of strengthening the personnel of the Government. This appears to be inevitably necessary to ensure Mr Coates entering on another term of office us Prime Minister. Probably the most interesting part of the session will lie Llie non-policy measures centering round the Licensing Question, Biblei 11-Schools and Daylight Saving. Doubtless the usual negative results will he achieved after the customary How of wasted eloquence. As to the length of the session now opened, that will be governed by the approaching election. It seems likely the poll will lie. held in November, so that Parliament will run Lo the end of October—four months of long, drawn out discussions.