Newspapers Advise On Voting

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29021, 9 October 1959, Page 11

Newspapers Advise On Voting

(Rec. 11 p.m.)

LONDON, October 8.

British national newspapers today analysed the domestic and foreign issues raised during the General Election campaign, and advised readers how to vote.

The rival mass circulation picture newspapers, the “Daily Mirror” and the “Daily Sketch,” devoted their entire front pages to electioneering. The “Daily Mirror” published a large photograph of Mr Gaitskell with these words around it: “Let’s all make it the biggest poll ever. To hell with the ‘telly’ until we’ve all voted.”

The “Daily Sketch” said: “Warning: Odd job Gestapo if you don't vote right.” This draws attention to an inside story forecasting that Labour would raise extra taxes by forming a new “army” of 20.000 tax officials to investigate part-time earnings. The “Financial Times” said that the “thoughtful voter” would “probably have greater confidence in the party, which is more restrained and realistic in its pledges.

“We believe that a majority of the electorate will share this view and return the Conservative Party to power today,” it said. The “Daily Mail” said the Conservatives’ record “entitles them to more time to complete what they have begun. Don't cut down the tree that’s bearing fruit.” The “Daily Herald” called on its readers to find the Conservative Government: "Guilty of criminal negligence in Cyprus; guilty of murder in Kenya; guilty of violence in Central Africa; guilty of attempted suicide at Suez; guilty of confidence trickery over world peace. ...”

The “Daily Telegraph” commented: “Labour is split and insecure. A Conservative vote is a vote for an honest future.”

In New York, some newspapers gave big play to polling-eve stories and pictures from London. The “Herald Tribune” had a front-page picture over three columns of Mr Macmillan addressing an election meeting in Hammersmith. Another three-column photograph inside showed Mr Gaitskell talking with voters in Harlow.

The ‘Tribune’s” London correspondent’s front-page report called it “the most wide-open political contest Britain has enjoyed in three decades.”

The “New York Times” devoted three-quarters of a column on the front page and four columns inside to the election and related stories. Its correspondent, Drew Middleton, called the Conservatives “Slight Favourites.” The tabloid morning newspapers gave less prominence to the story, and no New York newspaper commented editorially. But the “Washington Post” said:

“Whatever the outcome, it is unlikely to make any great difference in relations with the United States. Mr Macmillan, his able deputy, R. A. Butler, and Foreign Secretary, Selwyn Lloyd, are of course well known. Mr Gaitskell, a highly intelligent and attractive candidate, thoroughly understands the importance of the alliance. The would-be Labour Foreign Secretary, Aneurin Bevan, has raised some hackles with his cantankerous criticisms, but he certainly would produce more interesting copy than the colourless Mr Lloyd. “In any event, exposure to the realities of power begets responsibility, and Americans can await the verdict of the British people with confidence.”

Australians Beaten. — The Australian Rugby League team was beaten 18-17 by Leigh in a floodlit game tonight.—London, October 7.