Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1920-02-20
HOOVER FOR LEAGUE OF NATIONS,

HOOVER FOR LEAGUE OF NATIONS.
In an interesting statement recent
~, Herbert Hoover. much spoken Of
ass bipartisan candidate for Presi-
dent, says he is not n candidate for
the nomination and that no one is
is authorized TO speak for him politi
cally. If the League of Nations is
made an issue in the election he
says he will vote for the party that
stands for the League.
In response to requests that he de-
clare allegiance to either one or the
other of the great political parties,
Mr.. Hoover says he will wait until
it more definitely appears what the
party managers stand for, and will
exercise prerogative of American
citizenship and decline to pledge
my vote blindfoldcd."
Mr.. Hoover's statement follows:
I'm order TO answer large number
Of questions all at once, let me en-
phasize that l have taken a day off
from the industrial conference in
Washington to come to New York
solely to attend to pressig matters
in connection with the childrcn's
relief. want to say again: have
not saught and am not seeking the
Presidency. am not candidate.
! have no organization No one is
authorized to speak for me politi-
cally.
"As an American citizen by birth
and Of long ancestry am naturally
deeply interested in the present crit
ical situation. My sincere and only
political desire is that one or both Of
the great political parties will APP
proach thu vital issues which have
grown out Of the war and arc new,
with clear purpose looking to the
welfare of our people, and that can
dicates capable Of carrying out this
work should be nominated.
IF the treaty goes over TO The Pres
idental election with any rcserva-
tons necessary to clarity the
worlds mind that there can be no
infringement Of the safeguards pro-
vided by our Constitution and our
nation-old tradtions) then l must
vote for the party that stands for
the League. With it, there is hope
not only Of the prevention of war
but also we can safely economic
in military policies. There is hope
Of earlier return Of confidence and
the economic reconstruction Of the
world.
II would not vote with party il
it were dominated by groups who
seek 10 set aside our Constitutional
guarantees for free speech or for
free representation, who hope to re-
establish control of the Government
for profit and privilege. l could
not vote with party if il were
dominated by groups who hope for
any form Of Socialism, whether il
be naturalization of industry or
other destruction Of individual ini-
tiative.
Both these extremes, camOuflag-
Cd or open, are activc'cnoush in the
country today. Neither Of these
nominations would enable those
constructive economic policies that
will get us down from the unsound
economic practices which, of neces-
'''s, o. " opt vi tHS Wal HUI WOtiltl
they secure the good will to produc-
tion in our farmers and workers. or
maintain the initiative of our bust
ness men. The issues look forward
rot back.
IL do not believe in more than
two great parties. Otherwise COM
binations or groups could, as in
Europe. create a danger Of minority
rule. do not believe in party or
ganization TO support great ideals
and 10 carry great issues and con-
sistent policies. Nor can any one
man dictate the issues Of great part.
les. II appears TO me that the hope
Of q great majority Of our citizens
in confronting this new period in
american life is that the great part
les will take positive stands on the
many issues that confront us and
will select men whose character and
associations will guarantee their
pledges.
II am being urged by people i'm
pom parties to declare my allc-
glancc 10 either one or the other.
IhoSc VIII" know that ] am able to
MAKE up my mind when Il subject IS
Clearly defined. Consequently until
II more definitely appears What thc
party managers stand for, mus,
t%' Ici"c p"eroG2;ivc Of american