Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1944. U.S.A. ELECTIONS

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 November 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1944. U.S.A. ELECTIONS

CONGRATULATIONS to Mr. Roosevelt on his clear win in the U.S.A. Presidential and Congressional elections will be world-wide, especially by those who believe that on American wholehearted participation in the effort to win the peace and establish security on firmer foundations depends the success of the whole scheme. There has never been any doubt about President Roosevelt’s attitude, and this has again been endorsed by the people of the U.S.A. The outside world has no right, nor desire, to interfere with the domestic problems of the U.S.A., but is justified in expressing grateful relief that Mr. Roosevelt, with the support of both Houses, will be able to/continue his policy and to guarantee the fullest national effort to help to win the Avar and to establish the new order so much needed. Mr. Roosevelt’s Presidential victory was not unexpected, but the extent of his majority was somewhat surprising. The old-time objection to more than two terms for a President has been shattered, but it is improbable that Mr. Roosevelt ’s record of four terms will be equalled. The war and other circumstances caused many to think that his leadership should be continued for the time being, hut further extension does not appear likely. Hitherto, Mr. Roosevelt has had no serious rival in his own Party, but with the ending of the war will come an end to this unity of acceptance of Mr. Roosevelt’s chieftainship. Moreover,.he is now 62 and the years will, tell on his health, making him glad to lay down the burden of office. That is, however, looking ahead. Meanwhile, the fact of his re-election and the national vote of confidence will strengthen his purpose, and he will be able to act with even greater'authority than before. Little has been heard of the Vice-presi-dency candidates, but the one-time estimate that the holder of this office was but. a figurehead is unlikely to prove true where Vice-president Harry S. Truman is concerned. Should Air. .Roosevelt not complete his full, term, Air. Truman would become President, and it is well that he appeal's to have qualifications for the highest office. Born on a Missouri farm 59 years ago, he was farmer, lawyer, judge and Senator in turn, and has Avon Avidespread respect. It was recently Avritten of him: “Senator Truman has receding grey hair, a thin-lipped mouth'’, hornrimmed glasses that give him an ingenuous look. He plays the piano, and his favourite composer is Chopin. lie also plays poker, and his favourite victims are those Avho think Truman is as harmless as he looks.” lie entered the 1914-18 war as a U.S. Army private, worked his way up to a captaincy in the 129th Field Artillery, and was on a battlefront in France Avhen the armistice Avas signed. His most notable achievement in this Avar-period Avas his exposure of the racket connected with defence contracts. He got the Senate Committee inquiry he sought, and saved the nation large sums. The Republicans Avill retire gracefully from the scene, quietly preparing for the 1948 elections. Air. Dewey made a good shOAving but the personality and prestige of Air. Roosevelt were too much for him. The “Isolationists” have received a' further severe knock, but it Avould be foolish to count them as cloavii and out. They retain certain poAvers for mischief, especially Avhere propaganda is concerned.