Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 26 September 1944 — Page 12

" @ive Light end the People Wil Pind

PD. R. ASKED FOR IT ELL, now we are getting into the sort of political *¥ campaign to which we have been accustomed every four years. "For a time it was almost too polite to be true. The terrible reality of war had laid restraint over the quadrennial electioneering. Mr. Roosevelt said he would “not campaign in the usual sense”~-he did “not consider it fitting.” And Mr. Dewey was sedately stumping the country, tolling off the issues in a dignified tone and manner. *. Then came Saturday night. “The Champ” stepped into the arena, before a banquet of the teamsters’ union. A born crowd pleaser, he couldn’t resist the temptation to ue the kind of language he did. “Fraud,” “falsehood,” %isolationists,” “labor baiters,” “monopolists,” with liberal reference to Mein Kampf and Goebbels. Brickbats such as “the Champ” had not felt,compelled to use in polishing off Messrs. Hoover, Landon and Willkie. It was a. gay and hilarious evening of name-calling and wise-cracking.

= up the brickbats and hurled them back—aplenty. He read the record to sustain charges which the President had said were “false,” “fantastic” and “fraudulent.” The man who had suggested that after the war we could “keep people in the army about as cheaply as we could create an agency” for jobless men when they are out, Mr. Dewey recalled was ‘“‘the national director of selective service, appointed by Mr. Roosevelt and still in office.” The men who had said we were unprepared when war came were generals, and such administration senators as Barkley and Truman. i Where had Mr. Dewey picked up that strange idea that Mr. Roosevelt had prolonged the depression? From the record which showed after seven years of Roosevelt rule 10 million still unemployed—figures supplied by the American Federation of Labor.

® = = ¥ ” 8 = -

SO LAST NIGHT, in Oklahoma City, Mr. Dewey picked.

Reflections

. NEW YORK, Sept. 26. — It must be assumed radio maintains a .als. I can't recall I was ever over the air, Dulled? Yes often, but not shocked. Even Milton Berle never told the one about the traveling salesman and the ' farmer's daughter, though it could be be hasn't caught up with it yet. 7 2 What I am wondering is wheth-

cific illustration I have Bill Stern, the sports broadcaster in mind. Mr, Stern is currently trying to

in making himself look all the more ridiculous. I al‘most wrote despicable, and I'm not sure despicable isn't the better word, because I am.sure the gentleman knew what he was doing all the time,

"Warned. of Imminent Scandal’

OVER A coast-to-coast hookup, with. the proverbial millions listening in, Mr. Stern warned of the imminence of a baseball scandal of shocking dimensions. It seems the St. Louis Browns, who play in & small park, had gone into a slump and that this slump was dictated by sinister forces ‘interested in having the world series, or half of it, played in a bigger park, where the cash returns, not only to players but owners, would be considerably richer. Mr. Stern’s autMority, as he stated, was a Chicago weekly known as Collyer’s Eye, a grubby, smelly thing devoted largely to ugly racing phases and having no standing whatsoever in sports or with sports writers, a fact which the broadcaster, who is neither new, ignorant nor naive, must have been thoroughly familiar. At that, this was closer to facts than Mr. Stern customarily achieves, This weekly did hint at the possibility of such a scandal, but it did no more than hint, keeping not guly a Collyer’s Eye but an auditor's eye on the law of libel, and yet Mr, Stern saw fit to spread this foul and completely unfounded rumor nation-wide. that he has been called to prove up by baseball? “The story shocked me ., .. I began an immediate investigation . . , I find there is no basis for such an accusation . . . I hope this clears up any misunderstanding. which might have been caused by my broadcast.” ’

When Did He Make 1?

NOW, ISN'T that just dandy? He made an immediate investigation! When did he make it? After he made the broadcast, after baseball moved in on him, after the pressure got uncomfortable, And what kind_of investigation would he possibly be capable of making? His is strictly the defensive whine of the cornered rumor monger. Do you know how long a Stern would last in the ‘newspaper business? would have to be under a tolerant managing editor or one who was going with the fellow’s sister, and she'd have to be a dazzling dish, too. But Mr. Stern is only one of a group. He has no monopoly on radio sensationalism, irresponsibility or even outright fakery. Only in the field of sports does

t of ethics and mor- | shoced by anything I ever heard |

er radio maintains a department of facts. As a spe-|

laugh off an embarrassing jam and succeeding only |

5 how does he go about getting off the Hook, now | |

¥ ‘ ® : The Hoosier Forum 1 wholly disagree with what you. say, but will defend to the death your right to say it—Voltaire.

“IT IS WHAT DEWEY HASN'T DONE”

About three minutes, and that

» » ” . ; AND THE SUGGESTION that Mr. Roosevelt consid- . gred himself “indispensable”—where did that “malicious falsehood” come from? And again Mr. Dewey quoted from Senator Truman and Boss Kelly—men certainly not repudi- | ated by the President. “The man who wants to be President for 16 years,” gaid Mr. Dewey, “is indeed indispensable. He is indispensable for Harry Hopkins, to Madam Perkins, to Harold Ickes, to a host of other political job-holders. “He is indispensable to America's leading enemy of civil liberties—the mayor of Jersey City. He is indispensable to those infamous machines, in Chicago—in the Bronx—and all the others. 1 “He is indispensable to Sidney Hillman and the Political Action Committee, to Earl Browder, the ex-convict and pardoned Communist leader. Shall we, the American people, perpetuate one man in office 16 years to accommodate this motley crew?” in S03 Mr. Dewey, the prosecuting attorney, speaking. Well, Mr. Roosevelt asked for it.

MORE ON MRS. BROWDER

THE state department, discussing the visa case of Mrs. Raissa Browder, wife of the Communist leader, says that visa appeals cases are kept confidential for “security” reasons. ; The department points out that the army, navy and the FBI-agencies dealing with-various phases.of national | security—are represented on the interdepartmental committees which pass on such cases. . In the Browder case two such committees voted against granting Mrs. Browder a visa to enable her to live legally in this country where she has lived illegally since 1933. Did those committee actions have any practical effect? They did not. The Browder case was taken to the board of visa appeals, composed of two presidential appointees, and Mrs. Browder got a visa. AE If the judgment of these “security” agencies was to be ignored, what purpose was served by consulting them? If the interdepartmental committees had approved a visa for Mrs. Browder she could have continued to live here. Since they didn’t she still gets to live here. What kind of business is-that?

NOT QUITE CRICKET ROBABLY it’s all right for the official Soviet magazine War and the Working Class to call the Republican party “a citadel of isolationism” and the sounding board of “extreme reactionaries, Fascist elements, American defeatists and appeasers, even Hitlerite agents.” Members of the Repdblican party have said as bitter things about the Soviet government, : _ But it seems to us not quite cricket for the magazine article to take such a stiff poke as it did at some of this country’s biggest war industries, implying that they are not only reactionary and isolationist, but pro-German and pro-Japanese. After all, Russia might well be in a sorry way without the guns, ammunition, planes, armored vehicles and trucks which she has received and doubtless will continue to receive from these same “industries. .

ASK ORSON; HE KNOWS ‘ N WELLES, actor, playwright, producer, magician, ~~ child prodigy, etc., ete., etc., now bows himself in as a pro-Roosevelt political orator with this brilliant effort: ~ “Tom Dewey is a persuasive con-man. He leads a ‘slicker’s gang of con-men, {of expert wreckers. The Ameripeople are as wise as they are good, and it’s true that n't be fooled for long; but they can be fooled a little

wonder that

131 an

Orson considers himself a great

he stand out as a lurid fictioneer. He has his dangerous duplicates in the more serious fields of war; economics, international relations— commenators who pretend to have “insidq sources,” “private connections” and “overseas agen Of one of them Mr. Roosevelt said, “He is a chronic liar.” Somehow it seems so much less disturbing to lie over the air. And it becomes so much more disturbing when you see the lie in print.

World Affairs

By Ludwell Denny - |

- »2 . Ny ¥ WASHINGTON, Sept. \26., a President Roosevelt's itresponsibility in the conduct of. foreign affairs gets worse.” The closer the allies come to Ruropean victory the less Americans know about the policy of their own government. One-man rule is bad enough. When secret diplomacy is added, the chance of democratic control is very slim. The current dispute over the American plan for post-war Germany is a case in point. This issue is at the heart of the post-war settlement. Future peace depends on it. Americans are good enough fo fight to make possible a better deal in Europe, but they are not good enough to discuss the terms of settlement while there is yet time to influence it—not. good enough even to be informed, under the Roosevelt secpecy

Public Has Had No Report on Teheran

IT IS a matter of record that the American public has not yet received .a report from the President on the Teheran conference of a year ago. So it is perhaps naive to suggest that he might now recognize the right of this democracy to know what political commitments he made, regarding Europe in general and Germany in particular, at the Quebec con= ference. If the Washington newspaper correspondents’ information is accurate, the President does not stop with cold-shouldering the public and congress, but is also ignoring Secretary of State Hull and Secretary of War Stimson in this matter. The cabinet committee on the German settlement consists of those two and Secretary of the Treasury Morgenthau. Normally the latter would have little say in diplomatic

reported overruling both Hull and Stimson. It was Morgenthau who was summoned to-Quebec by the President. . Thus there is the appearance at least of a cozy understanding between Roosevelt and the British, opposed by the secretary of state and the secretary of war, on a momentous issue about which congress and the public are kept in ignorance. That is not democratic government. It is not responsible gove ernment,

Plan Must Be Brought Into Open

THIS ROOSEVELT policy, for which Morgenthau is the errand boy, is reported to involve the conversion of Germany from an industrial to a com=pletely agricultural state. Just how the industrial population is expected to live, unless by an American dole or WPA, is not clear. Perhaps the President, who has been such a flop at making the American economic system work without limitless government funds, has some magic method for over~ night industrialization of the Balkans to replace mechanical skills and facilities of Germany. Note that the question here is not whether there shall be “soft” or “hard” terms—it is agreed that for Germany they must be as “hard” as possible— but whether the terms will work. If they don't work, the result will not be peace; poverty and economic chaos produce war and revolution. But whatever the Roosevelt plan is—good or. bad —it cannot be an American plan until it is brought out in the open. If it cannot survive American de~ bate, it certainly cannot survive the strains and stress of a turbulent post-war Europe. : A © Why can’t Dewey smoke out the fourth term candidate on some of this: dangerous secret diplomacy? After all, the purpose of a national election is to permit the pedple to register their majori will on issues as well'as men. St

policy. But as a Roosevelt stooge, Morgenthau is.

By Benjamin Stevens, Indianapolis It is a great pleasure to me to have the opportunity to give Mrs. william Shipp the information for which she asked.

done that should make him more important with all true Americans than Franklin Roosevelt, my friend. It is what Mr. Dewey hasn't done that will guide all true Americans, and that is this—Mr. Dewey has not asked for the destruction or misuse of the Gonstitution of the United States of America.

” EJ ” “G, 1. JOES WILL REGRET THE DAY” By A. J. Schneider, 504 West dr, Woodruff Place.

Since no doubt there are many others. who harbor the doubts expressed by William Post in a recent Times, I should like to point out a few factors which may remove the fog. There most assuredly was a proposal by the Communists, through their mouthpiece high in Washington, that our servicemen and women be permitted to vote in the coming election without regard to age. Mr. Post must have been out of touch with the daily newspapers at the time for the proposal reached congress and was acted upon by that body. Either Mr. Post was unattentive or not very studious at the time his classes in school studied the Constitution of the United States for he should know that, regardless of the wishes. of any group or individual or the President or com-mander-in-chief, article I, section 4 of the Constitution specifically

Icharges the states with the duty to

set up the machinery and regulations for holding elections. Also, the Constitution provides a formula for making amendments as popular demand requires. Such amendment, however, could not be rushed through to affect the coming election, : g Personally, I feel that there should be an amendment taking back from the various states the right to set age limits at the same time eliminating any age qualification. Instead, I would suggest a test qualiflying each idate upon his knowledge of Constitution: and our ways of life to entitle him to vote, Any person too indifferent and

1t is not what Tom Dewey has|

{Times readers are invited to express their views in these columns, religious con_troversies excluded, Because of the volume received, letters should be limited to 250 words. Letters must be signed. Opinions set forth here are those of the writers, and publication in no way implies agreement with those opinions by The Times. The Times assumes no responsi bility for the return of manuscripts and cannot enter correspondence regarding them.)

educational opportunities to earn the right to vote is mot worthy of the privilege. My observation has shown many a teen-ager better qualified to exercise the vote than many 40-year-olds. Likewise, constitutional provisions leaving to the states the regulations for elections made it impossible for congress to approve the so-called “G. I. ballot” without constitutional amendment, which could not have included the coming election. ‘The legal and constitutional attitude of congress received the caustic criticism of the commander-in-chief as a move to deny a vote to servicemen, while he was fully aware that he, as the defender of the Constitution through his presidential oath of office, should have been the first. one to cry out against any attempt to repudiate the Constitution: This stooping to subterfuge and misrepresentation won for the effort

G. I. vote, for it was indeed in-

It is a little short of affront to the intelligence of our servicemen

believe that everyone who insists upon unsyerving respect for the Constitution of the United States by the President and commander-in-chief is conspiring to deny them a vote. On the contrary, preserving the Constitution as is today will make it possible for the G. I. Joes and Janes to come back to a free country and to reshape it to meet conditions as they see them. But if Sidney Hillman wins the election, the G. I. Joes and Janes

unwilling to avail himself of today’s

will regret the day they have fo come home. a : :

Side Glances—By Galbraith

Sad BY NEA

scaring—the Ameriggn people.

SERVICE. WE, TW. REG. U.

—

the appellation “G. I. ballot” or

and women to expect them to

,|sheep to be led around by his fairy

“HE DOESN'T GIVE ANY REASONS, EITHER” By Mew. Opal P. Seamands, 1301 N. Chester 8

A remarkable letter, Mr. Faulkner If, as you say, Mr. Dewey is going about the country spreading vicious lies, that’s a serious matter. Its very unsportsmanlike of Mr. Dewey to attack in such a cowardly manner such a defenseless individual as the mere President of the United States. Mr. Roosevelt must indeed be a very tired old man, if he hasn't heard of the law regarding libel. Or could it be that he's forgotten that one becafise it wasn't made by one of his bureaus? I agree with you that it certainly is contemptible to base a campaign on lies. Of course, since you speak so positively, there can be no doubt that you have access to statistics which enable you to authoritatively brand Mr. Dewey's statements as les. Since you state that Mr. Roosevelt has more sense in a minute than Mr. Dewey has had all his life or ever will have, you must have access to the scholastic records of both, as well as a complete record of their past achievements as governors of New York state in addition to the knowledge as to how Mr. Dewey will perform as President of the United States. Otherwise how would you know? The last bit intrigues me. Did you obtain that information from Mr. Dunninger or Mr. Anthony? I believe that it's pretty generally conceded that Mr. Dewey is ‘brilliant due to a past record of like description, Your logic is penetrating. I believe there's a club-footed propaganda minister who also uses that type of logic. Remember? He brands all statements with which he does not concur as lies, He doesn’t give any reasons either, Your devotion is touching. It | seems. tome that. 1 remember reading not so long ago of a country which became a frightful mess because of a like devotion for a leader. We call it “fanaticism” in their case. Could.that type of temperament be hereditary? = ; We wouldn't cry on your shoulder | under any condition. It leans too much. Your tolerance is admirable, Mr. Faulkner. But then, isn't tolerance the very essence of democracy? Incidentally, have you by any chance read the heading of a column called the Hoosier Forum? : I'm under the impression that anyone in this country is entitled to

branded a liar, even you, Mr. Faulkner. But then, people who can make authoritative statements don’t need to express opinions. Do they? ” ” » “LET’S WAKE UP - AND CHANGE” By F. M. Harritt, 4019 E. New York st. After listening to the President's

September 23d, when he blamed the last depression on the Republicans and Hoover, I figured out some things in my own mind. I wonder if he thinks we are like a bunch of

tales. According to all -laws of

was engineered by Democrats under Wilson, : I wonder who the old man will blame for the depression which will surely follow this war when the | enormous debt we have now catches

By Thomas L Sto

occasion

express an opinion without being}

mud-slinging of Saturday night,|.

averages, the last depression was .a|. repercussion of the last war, which| .

kes

‘draft which Republicans in t house fought so bitterly, on lendlease. : :

THE DEBATE also will undoubtedly bring out ‘speech in 1937, for which he was so seri-

| fl

1 gg

It was significant that of President Roosevelt's first speech also to return again to the remark of Maj. Lewis B. Hershey, draft director, that

18 iF

2 8

creaté an agency for them when which he had been criticized by newspapers. He also repeated his administration “is afraid to bring victory.,”" Y

This tack is regarded by Republicans persuasive argument with soldiers weary f fighting and from confinement in camps home, as well as with their parents and relatives. ' line of political argument brought a stinging re from the President.

Dewey Telephones Brownell

IT IS NO secret that the strategy of: the Re‘publican campaign was to draw out President Roosevelt, to put him on the defensive. Governor Dewey's

] i

£ §

ii: gas 5

campaign train, Governor Dewey stopped twice on

Brownell in New York. ‘As a result, the Oklahoma City speech was re-written to meet the Roosevelt onslaught, Henceforth it will be politics as usual,

In- Washington By Peter Edson

Hon. Harold L. Ickes is never in better form than when he's out

exercise his spléen—Cov. Thomas E. Dewey and John L. Lewis. The Dewey campaign is highly satisfactory, Secretary Ickes admitted to his last press conference, Highly

Had the secretary noticed that Dewey was going to appoint a new cabinet? Oh yes. Ickes was taking care of that in his speech at Pittsburgh, and he had it all fixed up. Who would be the new secretary of the interior? “Well, that would be & hard job to fL" What did the secretary think about Dewey's power program for the northwest? “I didn’t know he had one.. He didn't visit any of the dams, did he? He couldn't have visited any of the dams and then made the statement that this administration hadn't done anything for the west. Dewey was just debating with himself whether to sell pubiio power to private companies at the bus bar, permit.

“up his mind.”

Ickes Is a Foil for John L. Lewis IT IS as a foil for John L. Lewis that Ickes may

ple who have pet hates have a hard time giving their prejudices proper priorities. When a reporter reminded the secretary that six

tract with the mine workers, Lewis good friend, Ickes cracked take note of that.” Ickes was then asked

tion.” “We have have coal,” can't wait till ‘after election the weather man to lay off; Previously, Ickes had commen Lewis could keep himself warm next winter with his own vituperation.” d

He's Got Mine Chief Over a Barr

THE FACT is that Ickes now hag Lewis over a parrel in calling attention to the 1300 strikes in the coal fields, affecting over 340,000 men and costing over six millions tons of coal production since November, 1043. “I have communicated with Lewis on a number of occasions,” says Ickes, “asking him to get the mines

tht |

. “This last time, I sent him one calling attention to ‘mark it personal, but I didn’t ‘and he issued one of his characteristic blasts and I answered that. Then he came back with another blast. I don't intend to answer that. contract there would

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26.—~The

ting them to resell at a profit, and he couldn't make {

Are EB