AMERICAN ELECTIONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 February 1943, Page 4

AMERICAN ELECTIONS

: FOURTH TERM POSSIBLE > FOR MR ROOSEVELT f ; MIXED FEELINGS AROUSED. — TRADITIONAL POLICY AT STAKE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) NEW YORK. February 20. New York newspapers are discussing the prospects for the 1944 elections and particularly the possibility of Mr Roosevelt seeking a fourth term. A Washington correspondent of the “New York Times,” Luther Huston, says: “Fourth-term talk is permeating politicaly-minded Washington and is arousing mixed feelings. Some say that Mr Roosevelt must run again in order to make peace and translate for the benefit of the war-shaken world the concepts of the century of the common man. Democratic politicians also ask, ‘Can we win with anybody else?’ and they admit, ‘Nobody will win on the Democratic ticket unless he is the best runner we have ever had.’ “Others shudder at the mention of a fourth term for political reasons. They point out that the renomination would break down fundamental concepts of democracy and endanger the traditional policy and the American way of life. “Though the time for wagering on the outcome of the 1944 election is still remote, it is possible that some quarters in Washington will lay a. bet at good odds that Mr Roosevelt could win if he is renominated. The general consensus of opinion seems to be that Mr Roosevelt might permit his renomiination in his own time and manner, barring war developments which radically alter the political picture. Howjever, the ensuing campaign might be the bitterest in American history. The Associated Press of America says: “Talk is heard in Congressional circles about the possibility of the anti-New Deal Democrats forming a third party if Mr Roosevelt is nominated for a fourth term, whereas Mr Roosevelt’s supporters in the Democratic Party contend that his continuance in office is vital in the war and in the peace efforts and also for the welfare of the party. Those who are suggesting a third party include Congressmen who have consistently opposed the New Deal.” Meanwhile, some Labour circles are already taking practical steps to promote a fourth term. The New York newspaper “P.M.” states that the Department Stores Union (C.1.0.),-repre-senting 120,000 members, has unanimously adopted a resolution calling on all workers, farmers and freedomloving Americans generally to support Mr Roosevelt as President in 1944. Moreover, the union has submitted a resolution to the national council of the C. 1.0. for further action and Ips also started a nation-wide campaign to enlist support for the fourth term. The “P.M.” points out that this is the first important Labour organisation to call for Mr Roosevelt’s re-election, and recalls that the same union was the first to demand a third term in 1939. The “New York Times” correspondent says that Republican Party observers are of the opinion that Mr . Wendell Willkie will seek the Republican nomination in the 1944 elec- ; tion. :