THE PRESIDENT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 25, 9 November 1940, Page 8

THE PRESIDENT

RE-ELECTION WELCOMED. COMMENT BY “THE TIMES.” (United Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, November 7. Citizens of Washington gave Mr Roosevelt a rousing reception on his return from New York. Crowds lined the. streets* and stood in the ground? of White House. The latest returns give Mr Roosevelt 38 States, with 449 electoral votes, and Mr Willkie 10 States, with 82 electoral votes. Mr Roosevelt has 26,077,000 popular votes, and Mr Willkie has 21,691,000. In the new House of Representatives the Democrat Party has won 266 seats and the Republicans 161 seats. The result of the 'Governors’ election is likely to be a drajv, the Republicans and Democrats each capturing five from the other. Mr Harold Ickes,. United States Secretary for the Interior, has resigned to allow Mr Roosevelt a free hand in making “"Cabinet' changes if lie wishes. Other Cabinet members are expected to follow this example. Mr Ickes took the. same action when Mr Roosevelt was re-elected for a second term.

' :1 Newspapers in many countries hail Mr Roosevelt’s re-election with enthusiasm .

“The Times,” in a leading article, states*. “Mr Roosevelt’s victory is first' and foremost a vote of confidence in his foreign policy and a mandate for him to continue to give every possible aid to the’ nations still resisting aggression. The majority of the voters were satisfied that Mr Roosevelt was acting as they would have him act. Also, third term or not, this was not the time to turn him out and put a inexperienced man in his place. “Although the relationship of the Government and the businessman is an issue upon which campaign was fought, it was dwarfed in immediate urgency by the necessity for defending the essentials of western civilisation against the onrush of barbarism armed with all the weapons of modern times. The votes of Americans on Tuesday showed recognition of this. They have shown it still more clearly by a widespread and spontaneous movement, immediately . after the election, to close- their ranks, lay aside party differences, and unite the whole nation in the defence of a common heritage. “The.- result of the election easts a great burden and a great responsibility on Mr Roosevelt, but ho will carry them gallantly and cheerfully. His task is immensely lightened by the knowledge that he is able to count on the‘unanimous support of his fellowcountrymen.” The Chinese Foreign Minister (Mr Wang ; Chtlng-Hoi) said: “The Chinese people arc gratified by Mr Roosevelt’s re-election, which shows that the American people endorse his firm stand against aggression, both in strengthening America’s national defence atid in rendering assistance to the nations who are fighting for their liberty and independence. The Chinese deeply appreciate what Mr Roosevelt has done for the cause for which China, is fighting,”