The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, February 25, 1944. U.S. DEMOCRATIC SPLIT.

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1944, Page 4

The Grey River Argus FRIDAY, February 25, 1944. U.S. DEMOCRATIC SPLIT.

It appears that, if politically, the avar-tiine Administration in Britain has tefided to lose ground with each bye-election, the head of the Administration in America has also begun to run foul of the feeling of, Congress. And this, insofar as it relates especially to the Senate, might indicate obstacles for Mr. Roosevelt in achieving a fourth term. It is generally presumed that it is his intention to run again, and with the possibility of his opponent being Mr .Wendell Willkie his chances have not hitherto been generally questioned. But the traditional unpopularity of long term Avar administrations might now begin to manifest itself both in Britain and 'the United States when the most critical, that is most defensive, stage of the Avar appears to have successfully been surmounted. In many a Avar, the Strains, mental and physical, are less felt when greatest than Avhen there is some relaxation. In Britain one strain has been financial, Avhile America’s tempo in taxation rose no less rapidly when the adverse odds were greatest. The President, having dictated a currency revolution, ('though not quite able to realise properly the “New Deal”) has during the Avar exceeded all anticipations in expenditure, financing by LeaseLend the United Nations, .and largely taking a leaf out of the British book by his imposts. The Senate now 'has attempted to call a halt, evidently with the backing of the House of Representatives. The President finds even heads of his own Party ranged against his veto of a taxation measure because it offers nine thousand million dollars less than he had demanded. The Senate is generally considered to' have its ear always to the ground, but the President implied in his message against the Tax Bill that Congress had framed it in favour of the rich and not the poor. That Senator Barkley, unquestioned Senate leader of the Democratic Party, should, .in consequence, have announced his resignation Avould ait. first appear to be the result of resentment at Avhat he took to be a personal affront. But it is less surprising in vieAA' of comment that previously Mr. Roosevelt had lost touch Avith Congressional feeling. His immersion in the Avar might, explain it. Yet he might not Avorry if the veto should appear the parting of the Avays. He may estimate that a national majority Avill uphold the principle of still higher (taxes on higher incomes, seeing that there already are taxes comparatively high on loAver incomes. It is reported that Government officials are anxious lest the attitude of Congress means a cult in finance for the Administration’s Avhole Avai‘ policy. Outsiders cannot expect, to analyse American polities. Yet this development does suggest some deep change in public sentiment. Wliether it may have an important bearing on the war remains to be seen. Indeed ill suggests that Americans might be inclined to haste in judging the most critical stage of the Avar.