Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1944. ROOSEVELT v. DEWEY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 November 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1944. ROOSEVELT v. DEWEY.

Tuesday, voting in the U.S.A, national elections will take place, the chief outside interest being in the Presidential contest between Mr. Roosevelt (Democrat) and Mr. Dewey (Republican). There are other candidates for the highest office, but they are unlikely to poll heavily. Less publicity than usual has been cabled abroad about the electioneering campaign, partly because there is a British Press desire to avoid anything resembling “interference,” at this juncture, in American politics. However, the result will be awaited with world-wide concern, and perhaps the re-election of Mr. Roosevelt will be more welcome abroad than Mr. Dewey’s success. There is no great difference in the published policies of the two great Parties. Disregarding verbal differences, both platforms advocate the following: Prosecution of the war to complete victory; full participation in an international organisation of sovereign independent nations which can use force when necessary; an international court of justice; encouragement of competitive private enterprise; earliest possible relaxation of war-time controls; assistance and encouragement of small business; more assistance for the farmers and no racial or religious discrimination. The prophets on each side are optimistic about their candidate’s success, but this is usual. Betting odds announced about a month ago were eight to five in favour of Roosevelt, since when the successes against Japan should have improved his chance. If he can carry New York State, he is fairly certain of success, as the “Solid South” is Democrat. Mr. Roosevelt has most of the Press against him, and some earlier supporters oppose his “fourth term” attempt. Labour is mainly pro-Roosevclt, especially the C. 1.0. group. The Communists too are working for him, but this may do him more harm than benefit, as the American people are hostile to the Communists, and Republican propagandists are making the most of this opportunity to discredit their opponents and their new friends. Mr. Roosevelt’s age is another issue, his friends claiming his years and experience are ap advantage, whereas his foes declare he has passed his prime and a younger man is needed. Mr. Dewey is 42, and in his acceptance speech at Chicago he showed that he intended to make the most of the fact that President Roosevelt is 62. Achievement, of a really lasting peace, Governor Dewey said, -“is not a. task to he entrusted to stubborn men, grown old, tired, and quarrelsome in office. We learned that in 1919. Mr. Dewey has a less dominating personality than his rival, and apart from his exploits in breaking up gangsters’ and racketeers, has done little to attract public attention.. The fact that he is a selfmade man is in his favour, in American eyes. The son of a local editor and postmaster in the State of Michigan, he descended on New York in the early twenties with the aim of conquering it with his voice—as a singer. He used the fees obtained to pay for tuition at the Bar, to which he was called when 24. Tn 1927 he married a girl from Texas who had also come to New York to make a career in music. They have two sons, aged 11 and eight. Mrs. Dewey is no “Eleanor,” which may or may not be an advantage, should her husband reach the White House. The Republicans have not lacked money for the campaign, and it is estimated that up to £750,000, the legal limit, may have been spent. The Democrats have been equally lavish. There are important domestic issues, such as the Negro vote in the south, and the New Deal’s limitations, but these are of home interest. Whether UKA. will take full share of responsibility in establishing world peace and security is the question that outsiders are most concerned about. Mr. Roosevelt’s re-election will give the greater assurance that such aid will be forthcoming although the Senate has the deciding voice.