Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1936. AMERICAN ELECTIONS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 170, 19 June 1936, Page 10

Manawatu Evening Standard. FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 1936. AMERICAN ELECTIONS.

Elections in the United States of America are spectacular and colourful, and banners, brass bands and slogans form special features. The Americans obviously like show and sensation and this is imported into their election affairs. The Republicans have just selected tlieir candidates for the high offices of' President and Vice-President, the choice for the former falling to Mr Alfred Landon, at present Governor of the State of Kansas, and for the Vice-Presidency Colonel Frank Knox has been chosen. In the course of a few days the Democrats will hold their convention, and the probability is that President Roosevelt will be chosen for a second term of office. His administration of the country has been riddled with major faults and the Supreme Court of the United States has denounced many of his cherished New Deal plans, but notwithstanding this he has an appeal for the American citizen because of his amiable disposition and high sense of duty. The Republican Convention just concluded was not only to choose candidates for the principal offices in the State, but also to prepare a platform to lay before the electors. The oiifer world has not much interest in the domestic policy of U.S.A., except to admire the consummate skill of the “grafters,” but the foreign policy embodied in the platform does interest and concern the world. The Republicans are confirmed high protectionists, and it is therefore not surprising that repeal of the reciprocal trade agreement law is put in the forefrout. This law was passed by Congress last year and empowered the President to enter into reciprocal trade agreements with other countries, such agreements not to be subject to review by the Senate. The law does not expire until next year; in the meanwhile President Roosevelt has arranged about 17 trade agreements on the most favoured nation basis. The Republicans oppose a further devaluation of the dollar, and so does President Roosevelt, but the tide of events is running counter to wishes and devaluation may be forced on the country. The Republicans advocate international stabilisation of currencies, but wisely refrain from suggesting any plan by which this could be brought about. The World Conference of 1932 was wrecked by the United States because of that country’s refusal to stabilise the currency, not only so but the dollar , was sharply devalued and power given to the President to further lower the gold content of the dollar. The Democrats have this advantage that they know the platform of their opponents and can counter it with sentimental ap-

peals for sympathy and voluminous promises of steering the country to prosperity. It is a sordid fight between the ins and outs, but it will amuse the outside world. It is probable that there will be other nominees besides those of the two main political parties. The radio priest, Father Coughlin, is said to have a big following and may nominate a candidate, and the same was said of Dr Townsend, the £4O-per-month pension apostle, but the recent exposures before a Congressional Committee have probably heavily discounted him. The Labour Party and the Communists may each be in the field with a candidate. Besides the election of President and Vice-President, the whole of the members of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate must be elected. For the next four months there will be political turmoil, with a mixture of oratory and Billingsgate from the hustings, and general business will be greatly > upset.