Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1920-02-08
Some Reflections Upon Mr.. Hoover

IF Herbert Hoover aSpres to the
! presidency the time has arrived for him
to confde that fact to tho country. The time
has arrived for him to give some indica-
ton OF his belief in ono set Of principles and
his disbelief in another set He owes it to
Ills admirers to pronounce tho convictions
which he holds, to make known tho work
ings OF his mind and to open his heart in
some degree TO his countrymen
1t is not necessary. perhaps, at this stage
for the former food administrator to declare
himself Republican, or Democrat, or a
neutral. Soon OF late he must do that also
II nc wishes party nomination, but 1t is
incumbent upon him to say something in his
own way. upon the issues which must be de-
Dated in this campaign, and upon which party
lines Will be drawn before the fight is over.
Ihat there is now an organized movement
to mako Hoover President--ouc that is well
financed and we'll directed--is we'll known
70 tho country. 1t is equally well known
TO Mr.. Hoover himself lie is permitting
this movement to gain volume. He is allow
ing his friends and supporters; TO so forth
in his namo and in his behalf seeking to i'm
press his pre-cminent availability for the
presidency upon the voters OF the country.
lie is not discouraging those friends aud
supporters in their efforts to mako Of him
a super IMAM. one who is above all party
lines and superior to all political prcdicc-
tons.
game II they do not realize before it is too
late that their hero must descend to earth:
that he must take his place beside the other
Americans who seek the presidency, and that
he must be measured by the standards which
Will be applied TO them. The American peo-
pie want TO know what he stands for and
what he stands against, and they want To
know it from him, not from iuterIocutors or
friendly organs. Nor do they like tho idea
now being industriousy circulated that Mr.
Hoover is too great man 70 he Democrat
or Republican, aad that it would be more
or less matter Of condescension on his part
for him to accept the presidency itself.
That Mr.. Hoover is man Of splendi,i
abilities, is undou btedly true. He has pro-ed
himself to be highly efficient public ser
want His contribution TO the success o. The
war might even be regarded as monumental
lie has wide knowledge Of world affairs ana
has earned the respect OF statesmen on both
sides Of the Atlantic. All these things his
conntrymon readily admit, and they admire
and honor him. But they have not agreed
among themselves that lie is the best mgn
i'll America to be President. Certainly. they
have conceived such enthusiasm for him
that they will force either party, or both
parties 10 nominate him.
Mr.. Hoover either is a candidate or he is
not a candidate; he is either Democrat or
nc Is not Democrat. He either believes in
the policies Of Woodrow Wilson or he does
not. He either entertains views upon TIE
questions now dividing the two great par
ties or ho has no views upon them. Let him
discuss these matters with mis- fellow citi-
zens, or ii be does not wish to discuss them,
then let him silence thc promoters OF his
presidential boom