The Alaska daily empire., 1920-02-20
HOOVER STANDS FAST

4 could be the nominee Of either one of the political parties if he would out in a declaration that he Is a dyedin- the wool member of that party And that presents an interesting situation in the United States The great mass of the American people oe- long, politically, to three classes. They are either Democrats Republicans or they are independent of political organizations Nearly all of the strong men whose positions are generally approved by the people are one of these The people generally rec ognze there logical reasons behind these posi- tions local affairs like to get independents Tn politics in municipal office, in places of responsib ity in commercial fraternal or church organiza- < tions Many of them among the very pest of our citizens. the most progressive and aggressive Tn tEe public service. Yet, there is feeling, particu larly among those who make trade of politics, that no shall be called to serve in high public place unless he is a hard -andfast member of some political party, where he may lead if he can, but where he permits others to think for him if he cannot think for them
 Herbert Hoover belongs to this class of inde- pondents. and is he in his position that he rofusos be moved from it with the almost certain y Of Presidential nomination reward for evacu- ation. Independent thinking people will be attracted to him than by the persistence with which he stands for his convictions. It will be re- garded evidence that he has the sort of stuff a Prosident of the United States should have. MT. Hoovers position this phase of the poli- tcal situation in the United States is set forth in tho statement which he recently made He said:
 ''In order large number of s questions all at once, let me emphasize that 8st have taken day off from the, industrial conference in Washington to come to New
 York solely to attend pressing matters in
 connection with the children's relief
 want to say again:e l have not sought and
 seeking the Presidency I am
 a candidate; l have no organization. No
 one is authorized to speak for me politi-
 'As an American citizen by birth and
 of long ancestry, am naturally deeply in
 tcrescd in the present critical situation. My sincere and only political desire is that
 both of the great political parties
 will approach tho vital issues which have
 grown out of the war and are new, with
 clear purpose looking to the welfare of
 people and that candidates capable of carrying out this work should be nominated.
 'If the treaty goes over to the Presi-
 dential election twh any reservations nec- g.l essary to clarify the worlds mind that there can be no infringement of the safe
 guards provided by our Constitution and
 nation-old tradions) then l must vote for
 the party that stands for the league.
 With 1t there is hope not only of the pre-
 ,vention of war, but also that safely
 economize in military policies. There is
 hope of earlier return of confidence and
 the economic reconstruction of the world.
 I could not vote with party if it
 dominated by groups who seek to set aside constitutional guarantees for free
 speech. or free representation, who hope to
 re-estabish control of the government for l profit and privilege. I could not vote with
 party if it were dominated by groups
 who hope for any form of Socialism. wheth- | CT it be standardization of industry or oth- | destruction of individual initiative Both | these extremes. camouflaged or open. are active enough in the country today. Neither | of the nominations would enable those | structive economic policies that will get ' down from the unsound economic practc- ' es. which of necessity grew out of the war. II nor would they secure the good will to production in farmers and workers
 maintain the initiative of business
 The issues look forward, back
 ward
 s4 II do not believe in than two
 great parties Otherwise, combinations of
 groups could. in Europe. ger of minority rule. l do believe in party
 0rganzatin to support great ideals and
 carry great issues and consistent policies.
 Nor can any one dictate the issues of
 sreat practice. It appears that the
 nope of great majority of citizens
 in confronting this period in American
 life is that the great parties will take
 positive stands the many issues that
 confront and will select men whose
 character and associations will guarantee
 their pledges.
 'I am being urged by people in both .s parties to declare my allegiance to either
 the other. Those who know me-
 know that am able make up my mind
 when subject is clearly defined. Conse-
 quently, until it more definitely appears
 what the party managers stand for,
 must eyercse perogatiye of American
 citizenship and decline to pledge my
 fndf