Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 20 October 1944 — Page 22

PS =~ NOWARD |

L SCRE

Give Light end the People Will Find Their

ANSWER TO A QUESTION

PEAKING béfore the city council on the proposal that |,

the city of Indianapolis welsh on its agreement to pay Fred Telford for the services it hired him to perform, C. R. I in. executive secretary of the Indianapolis TaxpayDe made statements which we understood to be in opposition to a city merit system of employment. Since the group he represents—the organized taxpayers of the _city—would benefit so largely from a genuine merit system, we naturally expressed some surprise. Mr. Benjamin assures us that he is not opposed to a merit system, and that the association he represents is not opposed, and his written explanation of his position appears in the Hoosier Forum on this page today. We are very happy, in the interests of fairness, to give him this opportunity to state his views on the subject, and still more happy to learn that so important a body of Indianapolis citizens has at least an open mind on this progressive step,

DEWEY HITS WHERE IT HURTS ; EWEY Wednesday night hit the administration where it hurts. He indicted personal secret diplomacy. ¥ The President has many weaknesses, but this one may turn out to be the most costly of all. It goes back to the Roosevelt complex that only one man can be trusted—only the indispensable man. He has isolated himself from the

strength of American public opinion and world opinion, |

while he dickers in the dark with Churchill and Stalin. And what is the result? Dewey reads the record: Poland, for instance. The European war began. over oland. Restoration of her freedom is one victory aim which nobody expected to be questioned. But Russia seems determined to take much of her territory. Worse, Stalin insists on picking a Polish government, even to the choice of a commander-in-chief. © RE . Is it fair to blame the President for this? We don’t know and can’t know because of his secret diplomacy. We prefer not to believe the circumstantial stories that at the

Teheran conference he gave Stalin a blank check in Eastern

Europe, as Churchill did. But certainly it is fair to blame the President for failure to keep America informed. On the record the President was not strong enough to stand alone. ] : ; t # . » % » » s ITALY IS CITED by Dewey as the victim, after 15 ‘months, of “improvised, inefficient administration (of) personal New Deal government.” Here again we would like to believe that the President supported a better plan for Italy. But, whatever the Roosevelt intent, his secret diplomacy failed. The case of the German settlement and the secret Quebec conference shows that the President cuts himself off not only from the American people, but also from his own secretary of state and secretary of war, He ignored their plan and then pulled a very stupid one. out of his hat Jetting the secretary of the treasury, of all, people, take discredit for it. When that backfired, the President characteristically turned for a new plan at this late day to the foreign economic administration—not to Secretary of State Hull,

Unlike Dewey, we think the President's French policy

on the whole has been a wise one, a choice of the lesser of

two evils. And yet we have had to take most of that, like

everything else, on faith and in the dark. ’

So Dewey is not exaggerating when he says that the

result of this personal secret diplomacy is that today “no

one knows what our foreign policy is with respect to Po-}

land, France, Germany, Romania and other countries of Europe, or for that matter, South America or China; we have no hint of what commitments may have been made ‘and American opinion is stifled and ineffective.” » . » > s # . THE REPUBLICAN candidate falls over backward to be fair to the President on the Dumbarton Oaks plan for & new league of nations. He neglects to tell the voters where he stands on the two chief undecided issues: One, whether a big power should have authority to block league action when that power is the aggressor; and, secondly, whether the President of the United States shall have power through his league representative to commit us to war without congressional consent. Both candidates should declare themselves clearly on these issues before the election. Meanwhile this country and the world are indebted to Dewey for demanding something better than Big Three dictatorship in the peace job: ; “It is imperative that the small nations of the world be brought into full partnership in this work now and not later. World opinion in the final analysis is essential to continuing success. Force without justice can never preServe peace. The treatment of small nations is the test

of he conscience of civilization. They should have a full share in these labors from the start”. =

INCREDIBLE

A HANDSOME young navy officer running for congress in Maryland has offered, with a gallant gesture and a

\

| split infinitive, “to personally kiss every lady” in his district. It may be that there will shortly be added to the raucous literature of this election year charges aimed at the irresistible as well as the indispensable man. >

* »

are not getting an adequate return for the money We are spending in Washington, or to put it another ong sp 8 that are neither practical nor necessary. And then, in ion to that, we are attempting too many functions.

simplify what the federal government is giving |

| like Wendell Willkie,

Man of Vision or Visionary Man?

“WENDELL WILLKIE,” writes Mrs. Donlin, “is described by some as a man of vision and by others as a visionary man. So too were Fulton, Edison, Ford and the Wright brothers during the experimental stage of their accomplishments, The choice of the descriptive title depended on whether the speakers believed that progress was necessary to their wellbeing or whether they are content to stagnate. However, when the leaders in physical science turned vision into substance all their beneficiaries united in the opinion that these were indeed practical men. When the vision of political scientists becomes sub-

nations will peacefully settle their claims and disputes, then will the beneficiaries of improved government be unanimous in acknowledging that such leaders as Wendell Willkie were eminently practical men. “We are talking of Wendell Willkie now, not as a leader of a political party but as a leader of the American people during the experimental stage of international thinking. America has accepted the fact that in order to have peace and prosperity for our own country we must have membership in an international organization that will function effec tively to prevent war. But the American people as a whole are not thinking in terms of peace and pros+perity for the other member nations; not as yet thinking internationally. Willkie has been leading us to think of the well-being of each and every nation concerned in the alliance as vital to the survival of the joint enterprise; to think of a compromise policy

business relationship.

Honest Have Faith in Others |

“WE ARE convinced that Willkie’s attitude toward the co-operation of peace-loving nations was a manifestation of the man’s simple honesty. The honest have faith in the honesty of others. It would be a sorry alliance that lacked the ingredient of faith. The highest tribute any ‘fellow-American’ can pay Wendell Willkie is to keep faith alive in our own people and in the peoples of the other united nations.” That statement: “The honest have faith in the honesty of others” pretty well sums the American ideal which shines through the fog of partisanship, nationalism, petty intrigue and selfishness. On this ideal should be builded the peace. There can be no truer cornerstone for “the parliament of man, the federation of the world.” . Without vision, the people perish; without faith, there can be no peace. What the world needs most in our time is men of vision, men of good will. Men

WORLD AFFAIRS—

Balkan Gateway By William Philip Simms

WASHINGTON, . Oct. 20.—Wellposted diplomats are expecting one of the most decisive battles of the war in the region of Budapest, probably on the shores of Balaton lake, southwest of the Hungarian capital, As far back at late 1939, Adm. Horthy predicted such a battle, adding that it would decide the fate of Europe for a long time to come. His reasoning was that the Hn allies would find Germany's eastern and western defenses so hard to crack that an easier approach would be sought from the direction of the Balkans. Barring a collapse of the defenders inside the ring about Budapest, military observers here doubt a frontal attack will be made in that direction. Instead, the Red army more likely would cross the Danube west of Szeged, then swing northward towards the 50-mile-long Balaton lake where the Nazis might be expected to make a stanch stand. Defeat for them there would expose Budapest and, after Budapest, Vienna and the country beyond.

Weakest Bastion of Hitler's Fortress

THE QUESTION of why this back-door entrance to Germany has not been tried before, is now being heard again. One school of allied opinion has long contended that the weakest bastion of Hitler's forfress was on the Danube, via Belgrade, Budapest and Vienna. He has been strengthening his west wall and east wall since well before the war, So, it is asked, why have the allies failed to exploit this weakest link in Hitler's defense system? Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria have never been willing satellites and Yugoslavia has been actively k the Nazis ever since the German coup at Belgrade in early 1941. First, Gen. Mihailovitch, King Peter’s guerrilla commander, then Gen. Tito, Moscow's protege, took up arms, The Balkans, ‘therefore, have always been a soft spot. - : ' In November, 1942, Prime Minister Churchill reported to parliament on the allied North African landings. Said he: - wide and encircling movement in the Mediterranean having for its primary object the recovery of the command of that vital sea, but also having for its object the exposure of the underbelly of the axis, especially Italy, to heavy attacks”

Power Politics Prevented Move

MANY BELIEVED at the time that once Italy had been knocked out, the next move would be to cross the Adriatic and join hands with the Yugoslavs and the

Greeks. With Russian pressure via Romania, powerful allied columns could work a p

ether too much money for serv- | discussed by

stance in the form of a world organization wherein |"

as requisite to the success of an international rela-. tionship, as it is nourishment for every private and | ®

Ea ALCURT Teens

The Hoosier Forum

1 wholly disagree with what you say, but will defend to the death your right to say it.—Voltaire.

-

Favars Broad Power for President

MR. McMAHON is going beyond mere support of ‘an international peace backed

He joins those who advocate that congress delegate broad and blanket authority to the President fo act through our representative on the council, once and for all at the start, without the necessity of going back each,time to congress when a threat arises that requires prompt use of force. Properly, and prophetically, too, senatorial candidate emphasizes issue, one of which much will maining days before the

set forth in its platform for an international organ : ization, but hedges on the force issue b:

“WHO AM 1 WORKING FOR?” Pn hu Bia, fasgutiy array, In your paper on Oct. 19 I am mentioned in an editorial in my capacity as executive secretary of the Indianapolis Taxpayers associa-

tion. You specifically ask, “Who is he working for anyhow?” I'll tell you. 1 am working for people who: 1. Believe in making constructive suggestions in an effort to help build the community; 2. Believe in encouraging our common council to act only within the law; 3. Believe in governmental economies, yet realize that government needs money to fully discharge its obligations to the citizens; 4. Believe the merit system has many worthwhile advantages, yet wonder if the system can be readily adapted to our city government now operating on the spoils system. 5. Believe in retirement .insurance, yet wonder if such an insurance program can be made worthwhile in our city governmental structure. Our mayor shall change every four years. 6. Believe the legislature should, under no circumstances, write a mandatory salary law to become effective with reference to any of our elected or appointed city officials. It is sufficient to legislate maximum limits, : 7. Are wholly opposed to an attempt on the part of anyone to set aside present budget-making and budget-reviewing laws for the pure pose of ; shortening the period of budget making. After all, shouldn’t the compilation and projection of a $10,000,000 annual financial program be done deliberately rather than hurriedly? Our directors had discussed the problem mentioned in your editorial before I appeared at the city council meeting Oct. 16. It 1s our understanding that my points 4 to 7, inclusive, are subjects upon which Mr, Pred Telford is reported to be preparing new legislation. Our association has no personal quarrel with Mr. Telford, and we're unhappy about seeing anyone not paid for services rendered. We are very strongly convinced that there are a number of citizens in our own

(Times readers are invited to express their views in these columns, religious controversies 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 cor respondence regarding them.)

community that can prepare legislation needed for our city. It is my sincere hope that this reply proves to you that my serve ices are rendered to protect the interests of taxpayers and not the welfare of politicians. Likewise, I hope it proves to you that I am not unalterably opposed to giving the merit system full consideration. LJ # . “REPUBLICANS ARE“ ALWAYS SLOW” By W. G. Dotterer, 251 N. Delaware st. When we go back over the years and compare the party platforms, we discover that Governor Dewey has added nothing new to his party's practice in adapting Democratic platform legislation already in operation and accepted by the people. The Republicans are always slow. Sometimes it takes four, sometimes eight years. In this instance it has taken nearly 12 years to convince them that. to reject. the New Deal reforms to which the people have become accustomed .would be committing hara-kari. It must have been shocking to the old guard to find Dewey with 25 governors at St. Louis demanding continuation of ' federal

in _the|

services to which the people-have become accustomed under the New Deal. If must have shocked Mr. Capehart who, if elected to senate, is pledged to assist

utter destruction of thé New —to hear Dewey on the west

Side Glances—By Galbraith

. You're spoiled to the extent that

| Dewey we can expect those things

demanding continuation and expansion of social security, of labor statutes enacted by the New Deal

guaranteeing collective bargaining, minimum . wages and maximum hours of work, of depositors’ protection, of protection for the farmer, etc. Surely they haven't forgotten that this New Deal legislation was passed by the almost unanimous opposition of the Republican party, which is now in Dewey's tender embrace. Or would

were opposed by a great majority of their party? There have been some outstanding liberal Republican statesmen, but the old guard have a way of setting them aside and usually for good. The immortal T. R, who feared neither man, beast or devil, found it necessary to desert his party in order to keep his self-respect. Frederick Landis, Albert Beveridge, Senator Norris, Wendell Willkie and many others were considered too liberal for the party, and now Senator Ball

party because he can’t sée his way clear to follow Dewey. years ago Bruce Barton, then congress man from New York, said in his keynote speech at the Republican state convention in Indianapolis, that the Republicans lacked vision—that it was left to the Democrats to think up and try new things to meet emergencies and that his party had not had an original progressive thought in years. Indiana Republicans never forgave him, and neither did New York--he was defeated in the election, So be careful liberal Republicans—you had better call 1 v » » “ALL ESSENTIAL TO GOOD GOVERNMENT”

By Mrs. Opal P. Seamands, 1301 N. Chester st. Obviously you misinterpret Governor Dewey's meaning of “spoiled,” AC : You're spoiled to the extent that you regard things of beneficial nature which have occurred during the past 12 years as the work of a genjus instead of what they really are, the fruits of the combined efforts of many, and natural steps in the development of our traditionally progressive nation.

you're smug in a sense of false security. Spoiled in that you expect something for nothing. Spoiled to the extent that you no longer think for yourself. Spoiled so that you're blind to all that which the administration doesn't wish you to see, and deaf to all that which it doesn't wish you to hear. You're spoiled to the degree that you have lost your sense -of the value of freedom. Spoiled to the point where you turn your head the other way while the government destroys private enterprise. You're spoiled to the extent that you helped elect an administration and now refuse to hold it responsible for good government. You're spoiled in that you're willing to ride the present train of events to the end without looking at the destruction which lies ahead. You are spoiled, period. fg We, too, could enumerate indefinitely. Suffice to say that from Mr.

which make his record so outstanding—brilliancy, sincerity, ef« ficiency, and democracy,” all of which are. ernment,

DAILY THOUGHTS

they also forget that war measures!

; Jour shots before you)

statement that “in the last analysis the son and the triumph of common sense tional relations will transcend force,” and strong emphasis on “sovereignty.” _He has been put on the defensive by Mr. McMahon, who is building his whole campaign around this issue it is indicated by the fact that Senator Danaher getting questions from audiences as to whether he

presidential contest, though Senator Danaher might a very small margin, :

Clare Luce vs. Margaret Conne

CONNECTICUT HAS a contest for a house seat which is attracting national interest. This is in the fourth district, the center of New York commuter population, where Clare Boothe Luce is running for re-election against a younger woman, an attractive lady herself, the 29-year-old Margaret Conness, a lawyer who Las handled a number of labor cases and formerly was deputy secretary of state. Miss Conners is an athletic young woman, having tennis title in Bridgeport last year. She is putting vim and vigor into but {hus far she has been shadow-boxing largely, for Mrs. Luce has been away from the state a good deal of the time, helping with the national also failed to turn up, even while in the state, five differerit occasions when

is called a traitor by some of his| 3°

The latter is just as outspoken as Mrs. Luce, having called her opponent “liar” and “hypocrite” Experts say Mrs. Luce will be hard though she has a real fight on her hands.

IN WASHING TON—

There's a Moral By Peter Edson

Gen. Prank McCoy, president of

night, had a leading role in the

to the present On Sept. 21, 1931, government appealed league of nations “to take ate steps to prevent velopment of a situation endangering the nations”—the occupation of Mukden, M Japanese troops on Sept. 18. What had actually happened was that the Japs set off a bomb on the railroad tracks outside M then sent their troops in to massacre the Chinese garrison of 10,000 men. The Jap story was that the

due at the time. Unfortunately for the Jap story, it developed later that the train had pulled into the Mukden station before the bomb went off, But the Japs explained that by saying that the engine and train had “jumped” over the rail under which the bomb had been planted, and they actually produced the rail, bringing it into court in its undamaged condition, as evidence. ! AR RE

of Lytton was

was appointed to’investigate. The ear named head, and though the United member of the league, Gen. McCoy was American representative. ~~ '

Japs Told Truth, for Once 5

- THE COMMISSION arrived in Tokyo Feb, was received by the emperor, The Jap 1c strangely enough, co-operated wi produced records and. witnesses

tary clique led by Gen. Doihara, its teeth, created Manchuria, set

essential to good g4v-| Gin,

survive if President Roosevelt won the state by only , &

Chinese had planted the bomb to wreck a fast express =~