THE PRESIDENCY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 177, 27 June 1936, Page 7

THE PRESIDENCY

NOMINATION OF ROOSEVELT. “THAT GREAT AAIERICAN.” DEAIOCRAT CONVENTION. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received June 27, 10.10 a.m. PHILADELPHIA, June 26. President Roosevelt was nominated by his life-long friend, John Mack, at the Democrat Convention.

“With our docks cleared for battle, with justice, right and progress with us, we are ready for more action under the inspired ieadershijr of that great American whose name I give you as your candidate for President. He is no longer a citizen of mertdy one State, but the son of' all 48 States —Franldm Delano Roosevelt,” Mr Mack declared.

The delegates immediately staged a demonstration which, for noise and colourfulness, has been rarely exceeded. The remainder ot the session may be occupied by seconding speeches. PLATFORM OUTLINED. PHILADELPHIA, June 25. The Democratic platform, which was presented at the evening session of the convention in the municipal auditorium, opened with the rather remarkable observation: “We have begun and shall continue a successful drive to rid our land of kidnappers and bandits.” It then launched into the more traditional subjects dealt with in platforms. The agricultural plank favours “production of all that the market will absorb,” farm co-operatives and continued retirement of sub-marginal lands. The Labour plank recounts the achievements of the New Deal, hut makes no mention of instrumentalities to make effective what the Supreme Court has negatived. The monopoly plank pledges “vigorously and fearlessly to' enforce the criminal and civil provisions of the existing anti-trust laws.”

The platform promises continuation qf the work relief programme and pledges the party to seek a solution of economic and social problems “through legislation within the Constitution,” but it will seek such “clarifying amendment” as may be necessary to make the desired legislation effective. ►

The finance plank approves the “objective of a permanently sound currency so stabilised as to prevent the former wide fluctuations in value. We assert that we have the soundest currency in the world.”

The foreign policy plank promises “true neutrality in the disputes of others,” and to continue “to seek by mutual agreement a lowering of those tariff barriers, quotas and embargoes raised against our products.” It finally pledges to oppose equally despotism, Communism and the menace of concealed Fascism.”

Proceedings were lightened by considerable head-punching inflicted upon a foolhardy group of young men, who suddenly appeared in a corner of the upper balcony with banners inscribed “We want Smith.” Lights were turned on them and the Smith men were soundly thrashed and hauled out and their banners destroyed. Mr A 1 Smith’s name was anathema. It was soundly booed. The leader of 1928 was completely repudiated.