Issues As Seen By Leaders

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30588, 3 November 1964, Page 13

Issues As Seen By Leaders

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK, November 2. Both United States Presidential candidates have written an article on the election issues, and published today in the “New York Times.’’

The central issue in the election was “the oldest issue of our American system—the issue of responsibility,” wrote President Johnson.

“From 1789 to the present, responsibility has meant seeking, achieving and maintaining a consensus—a centre of unity—on our nation’s purposes and policies,” the President wrote.

“Amid the perils of these mid-century years, this will for unifying our strength has become a central thrust of American life—from the people and their Presidents alike. “Members and leaders of both parties, Democratic and Republican, have concentrated upon broadening the vital centre of American unity—and closing the dangerous door of American divisions.

“The world is responding to our defence of freedom and pursuit of peace through preparedness and patience. Of the many new nations born in these years, none have chosen communism.

“In the steadfastness of our alliances, the growing unity of our hemisphere, the nearly universal support of the test-

ban treaty, and many other measures, we see evidence of the world’s trust of America’s purposes.” “In this election, it is this centre of unity which is under attack. For as the centre of American agreement has grown broader, factions on the fringe have grown more determined in their opposition to—and criticism of—those in both parties who have sought, achieved or abided by the responsible consensus on our purposes and policies.

Senator Goldwater wrote: “The basic issue of this campaign is clear—either we continue the suicidal drift away from constitutional government, away from freedom and away from peace and order in the world community or we chart a new course of peace, freedom, morality and constitutional order based on the wisdom of our history. “That course will bring peace through strength, progress through freedom, and purpose through moral and constitutional order. It will stop the spread of socialism at home and communism abroad," Senator Goldwater wrote.