ROOSEVELT LUCK.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 235, 3 October 1936, Page 9

ROOSEVELT LUCK.

PRESIDENCY FIGHT. Republicans Robbed of Useful Plank in Platform. *" CURRENCY AGREEMENT. United Tress Association.—Copyright. NEW YORK, October 2. Easily the most important development in the Presidential election campaign so far, was the announcement of the co-operation of the United States with European nations in the step toward monetary stabilisation. This was a further illustration of the so-called "Roosevelt luck," since it robbed the Republicans of an important issue, stabilisation having been one of the leading planks in their platform. Also it gave the Democrats an opportunity to show that stabilisation is also a plank in their own platform. American business, moreover, has been definitely reassured that it has nothing further to fear about tinkering with the currency from Mr. Roosevelt. The whole episode, therefore, is considered to favour Mr. Roosevelt's political fortunes.

The Communistic issue appears to have been definitely repudiated by both candidates. Mr. Roosevelt, in his address at the New York State Democrat convention, emphasised that he scorns the aid of any "ism," and Mr. A. M. Landon, in a statement yesterday, disavowed his support of any organisation or group which was endeavouring to bring prejudices and bigotry into American life. The zeal of the authorities at Terre Haute in detaining the Communist candidate, Earl Browder, on Wednesday, is being condemned by the organs of both parties. His release was secured on an application for a writ of habeas corpus. Generalities of Contest. The contest continues more or less on a basis of generalities. Mr. Roosevelt emphasises that he is a true Conservative, for he wishes merely to reform the ' existing economic institutions. Mr. Landon, on the other hand, refers to liis opponent's "dangerous regimentation of American life." Nevertheless, vital, isolated issues have begun to assume considerably more importance and are receiving greater emphasis by both parties. Mr. Landon's attack on the social security law has met with strong opposition from various sources, principally, it is to be noted, from the chairman of the Social Security Board, Mr. J. 'G. Winant, formerly Republican Governor of New Hampshire, who resigned his post so that he might be free to combat Mr. Landon!s Criticism. Mr. Winant said the Social Security Act was a great humanitarian measuiv which was passed by both Houses 01 Congress with little or no partisan differences. It had- enabled the workin.'j man and woman to "meet the hazardwhich would overwhelm them if faced I alone."

Among the Liberal supporters of Mr. Roosevelt the point also has been made that insofar as the conservation of the best features of the New Deal is concerned, Mr. Roosevelt's real opponent is the Supreme Court and not Mr. Landon. Therefore they have begun to ask if he is prepared to take the issue of the Supreme Court's negation of much of J the New Deal legislation to the people. The Scripps Howard newspapers ask: "Does Mr. Roosevelt, as a candidate for re-election, intend to ask for a mandate from the country on this fundamental question ?" Embarrassing to Mr. Roosevelt. This is likely to become embarrassing to Mr. Roosevelt because it has become increasingly clear, since the Supreme Court's rulings, tnat the temper of the people is against any considerable changes in the Supreme Court, which institution the Republicans are strongly championing. .As a skilful politician there is very little likelihood that Mr. Roosevelt will make this an issue for his reelection. Probably lie will content himself with presenting the question to the people in one way or another after, rather than before, the election.

Straw votes, as an index to popular sentiment, appear to differ. Some canvasses indicate Mr. Roosevelt's re-election whereas in the "Literary Digest" polls the latest figures give Mr. Landon 438,601 votes, Mr. Roosevelt 282,524, and Mr. Lemke, the Union party candidate, 29,083.

Attacks are made on this poll on the ground that, since the names were taken from telephone directories, a vast number of unemployed people and relief workers were not represented. This is hotly contested by the editor of the "Literary Digest," who claims that the poll ultimately will reflect the actual result with mathematical accuracy.

Although by now the alignment of groups and interests on behalf of Mr. Roosevelt and Mr. Landon are clearly indicated, considerable interest attaches to announcements by various important newspapers concerning their allegiances. Mr. Roosevelt, in the past week, has lost the support of two noted journals, namely, the "Baltimore Sun" and the St. Louis "Post Dispatch," both traditionally Democratic and once ardent suporters of Mr. Roosevelt. Both newspapers alleged that he had alienated business and failed to keep the promises he made in 1932 with excessive taxes and enormous expenditures of public money. A 1 Smith "Fooled" by President. A noteworthy reaffirmation of allegiance, however, was made yesterday by the "New York Times," the sentiments [ of which for a long time have been in doubt. The most exciting touch to the Presidential campaign this week, however, appears to have been given by Mr. A 1 Smith, who, in his first important pronouncement, uttered a violent attack on his one-time colleague and friend, Mr. Roosevelt. Mr. Smith said he bore no grudge against the President, "but he has fooled me as he has fooled millions of Democrats." Mr. Smith added that he had forced the nomination of Mr. Roosevelt in 1928 against the protests of practically all the leaders of the party. "The New Deal welcomes all elements," said Mr. Smith. "Even the Communist with a smoking bomb is welcome if he signs on the dotted iine."'