THE PRESIDENCY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24450, 8 November 1940, Page 7

THE PRESIDENCY

AMERICAN ELECTION MR ROOSEVELT'S SUCCESS : DEMOCRATS MAKE GAINS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telefirt.oh -Copyrightl NEW YORK, Nov. 6. Mr Roosevelt's election was assured when 20 States with at least 266 electoral votes had given him safe pluralities. Mr Roosevelt won 39 States, with a total of 451 electoral votes, and Mr Willkie nine States, with 80 electoral votes. Mr Willkie conceded defeat and telegraphed his congratulations to Mr Roosevelt. One of the most interesting contests was in Michigan, where at 11.30 on Tuesday night Mr Willkie had a lead of 12,000. This was increased by 5 a.m. to-day to 85,000, but three hours later Mr Roosevelt was leading by 16,000. The former Secretary to the Navy, Mr Charles Edison, won the New Jersey governorship. At noon the popular vote was: Mr Roosevelt, 22,196,000; Mr Willkie, 18.451,000. The returns indicate that the Democrat Party will retain control in both Houses of Congress. Democrats' Majorities The Democrats have increased their majority in the House by 10, defeating 14 Republicans, but losing four seats to the Republicans. A Democrat majority somewhat above the present 259-167 division is likely. Progress results indicate that

201 Democrats, 91 Republicans and two Wisconsin Progressives have been re-elected. The amended State pluralities are: For Roosevelt: New Jersey 8000, Oregon 2000, Michigan 16,000; for Willkie: Indiana 14,000, North Dakota 7000. Mr Roosevelt, accompanied by his family, addressed a cheering, torchbearing crowd from the veranda of his home at Hyde Park soon after midnight. He said his election was not yet confirmed, but "it looks all right. We face difficult times in this country; but you will find me the same Franklin Roosevelt you have known for many years." .The crowd gave three rousing cheers and marched off to band music, and Mr Roosevelt went to bed at 2.30 a.m. without making a statement. Mr Willkie went to bed at 1.30 a.m. without conceding defeat. He told his followers: "The principles for which we have fought will prevail. Don't be afraid. I'll never quit." ; He. promised a statement in the morning. It is expected to be a plea for national unity. Mrs Willkie said: "I have never had a public life before this campaign, and I do like privacy. I like to ■ sit behind a post or behind a fat lady." Friends said she was vastly relieved not to have the duties of the First Lady. Willkie followers crowded the hotel, anticipating a victory celebration.

Mr Roosevelt's drive was notable for the thrust into New England and his break through in the great industrial States of the Middle West. Keen Interest in Britain The election was followed in Britain with more general and keener interest than any previous presidential contest, including even that of 1916. By a curious paradox, however, opinion here has also never been more impartial or detached. The reason is that this year the issue which so deeply concerned the British public as to overshadow all others—the question of aid in war material and' moral support in the rescue of civilisation from Hitlerism —has not been the real issue at all. At the very moment when Britain is battling for freedom 50,000,000 electors across the Atlantic have been voting—and what is the crux of the matter, have been voting freely—on programmes and policies which will determine their future for several years. There have been many attempts to forecast; the result of the election, but its most essential characteristic, as seen from Europe, was exactly the fact that at no Domt could anyone foretell with certainty the figures which this great plebiscite would yield. It was that simple test which marks it off from some recent " elections " on this side of the Atlantic, in which a maiority vote of anything from 94 to 99 per cent, is a foregone conclusion from the beginning, and it is so to preserve that difference and all that underlies it that upholders of freedom everywhere are ranged against the totalitarian States. ,

Reports indicate that the immediate reaction following the election is a desire to sink differences in favour of national unity and eradicate the bitterness aroused in the campaign,- and unite to make the United States strong. REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE WORKING FOR UNITY NEW YORK, Nov. 6. (Received Nov. 7, at 10.30 p.m.) Mr Willkie, thanking his supporters by radio, said: " I know they will continue, as I will continue, to work for the unity of our people in the completion of our defence effort, in sending aid to Britain, and insistence upon the removal of antagonisms iii America, all to the end that the Government of free men may continue and may spread again upon the earth." Mr Cordell Hull, declaring that the electorate had given nation-wide approval of the Administration's foreign policies, said: " The nation can go forward with the fullest measures of practical teamwork by the Government and the people in" firm continuance of those foreign policies."