THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21805, 10 June 1936, Page 11

THE REPUBLICAN CONVENTION

J w ♦ CHOOSING CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENCY LANDON GROUP CONTROLS 0 a SITUATION j| I / CONSERVATIVE FORCES ROUTED l J , ! (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPTRIGSfcJ * I ;j (Received June 9, 11.5 p.m.) .1 CLEVELAND (Ohio). June 9. 1 1 The conclusion inevitably forced ■ on the observer at the Republican convention on the eve of its open- ’ ing is the profound change which \ the five depression years have r caused in the outlook of American political parties. To-night it seems ' indicated not only that there is less and less difference between the two 1 major parties in the present cam- ' paign, but that the Republicans, ! traditionally champions of conservatism, are being compelled by circumstances to become radical. The circumstances of American life, the ever-recurring demands of the great bulk of the people for what the newer leaders of the party call “social industrial justice,” seem to be driving the framers of the Republican platform to accept some form of new deal itself. The Supreme Court reversals of the social and experimental legislation seem to have gone too far, and the Republicans themselves now fear what they once acclaimed —the inviolability of the constitution. The control of wages and hours, sickness and old age benefits, and i pensions, will probably be approved |by the Republican platform, al- ! though it may advocate that the I states rather than the Federal GqvI eminent should experiment with j these. Thus the Republicans will bej come champions of state rights, and j the Democrats of greater federal i centralisation, so reversing the tra- ! ditional position of both parties; but a more significant fact is that both parties are now becoming guardians of the “forgotten man,” and will aim to help him virtually through i the same instrumentalities, i ! Sharp Skirmishing i Sharp skirmishing by the candii dates continued last night, but it was I less vital than was apparent. Senator W. E. Borah appeared on | the scene yesterday, and around him i rallied a variety of the “Stop Lan- ) don” fprees, but it is not likely that the candidature of Mr Landon can Ibe checked at this late hour. The younger Republicans are anxious for ; the inclusion in the platform of apI proval of the constitutional amendment permitting the states to control | wages and hours. Senator Borah api proves of such control, but not the ; amendment. Other younger leaders have been ! suggesting the nomination of a welli known anti-New Deal Democrat, j such as Mr Newton Baker, who was 1 Secretary for War in President Wil- | son’s Cabinet, for the Vice-Presi-dency, in order to assure the Republicans of the widest support, but this is not likely, although the most zealous advocates of it insist that it will assure a “spiritual rebirth.” The party mechanics of the Convention management, as usual, are functioning perfectly. There are many bands and the streets are full of picturesquely-dressed delegates. Vast loud-speakers in the pri»>cipal city squares call the delegates by name and they are informed that they are wanted at this or that committee meeting, or that their wives wish to see them. Everywhere there are great crowds, all of them good humoured. Only four days’ tickets have been provided by the Convention management, indicating that it is expected that the business will be speedily and efficiently conducted. Playing a Lone Hand Rumours during the day gave varying significance to the “Stop "Landon” movement. Even after Senator Borah had issued a statement dissociating himself from it, some reports persisted that his opponents had not yet abandoned the fight to defeat the candidacy of the Governor of KansasAn unofficial poll of every state delegation was conducted by a group of journalists to-night. This indicated beyond reasonable doubt, however, that the Landon forces are in complete control of the situation. He will probably be nominated on the first ballot, indicate his choice of vice-president, and the principal planks of the platform. There are now no fewer than 20 aspirants for the Vice-Presidency, the chief being Senator A. H. Vandenberg and Senator F. Steiwer, who will make the keynote address at the Convention. The control by the Landon forces indicates the complete rout of the Conservative forces of the Republican party. Senator Borah, while * scorning to ally himself with the I anti-Landon group, nevertheless continued to play a lone hand, uttering a bitter attack on the draft plat- | form ostensibly submitted to him by ! the Landon forces. “The plank of foreign affairs is timid, straddling and cowardly,” he said. “We should not equivocate. Let us speak, the old language of American patriots. We should stand for absolute neutrality in all foreign controversies “Furthermore, there are strong and resourceful men here seeking to commit the party to the old rigid gold standard, which is another form of monopoly. It means not the money of the people but the money of bankers, and speculators, and lower prices for producers.” Senator Borah concluded with a demand to know exactly where Mr Landon stood on these and other questions.