New-York tribune., 1920-04-01
MIR. Hoovers Candidacy

self f-declaratory-so manifest that
they have pushed him forward, al
though he has little gift for personal
publicity. Not picturesque or dra-
matte, and occupied with grubbing
work, nevertheless he is the one war
figure whose repute has not slumped
The world first knew Of him as an
American who Immediately reacted
10 the great moral issues of the war.
He abandoned his private business
TO become the first of our nothing-a-
year men. He did not talk service,
but did it.
Then in Belgium noble people
was about to perish from starvation.
The unique conception came to him
that it was possible to save it.,
though behind the enemy's lines.
The task was colossal in it's finan-
cial, administrative and diplomatic
difficulties. But it gloriously sue
ceeded. and the work was so extend
ed as to minister to vast populations.
Mr.. Hoover'S executive ability was
on a parity with his humanitarian
spirit.
Then as the most influential men,
her Of the Supreme Economic Coun-
ell he came into intimate touch with
the industrial and social problems
eft by the war and he quickly won
recognition as one Of the worlds
foremost international statesmen.
Americans are a proud people
some say vain people. SO there is
not an American worthy of the name
who does not feel enlarged by the
thought that this young man is fel-
]ow-American Of. an intense and
-eracious type. In Iowa, in Cali
@arria and young man in Aus
s.,alis with no capital but his brains
and character, he was not distin-
guishable from the rest Of us. In his
rise to fame each of US sees him
self written large and is reassured
in the faith that the Republic still
means opportunity.
With no titles or other artificial
distinctions to confer, the American
way to honor is to elect to high Of
flee. SO Mr.. Hoover, not to his per-
sonal liking, finds himself drafted as
Presidential candidate, with many
thousands who never saw him en-
thusiastic in his behalf.
But his candidacy by no means
vests on sentiment. He is notably a
national man, belonging to no section
Of the country. He is a specialist
touching two issues commanding
public attentlon-foreign relations
and the new organization Of indus
try. His "shop council" plan in
many respects is the most construc-
tive proposal for industrial har-
nony so far launched.
He IS q progressive Republican
Of tho kind Roosevelt loved and
dreams of social justice. He has
great executive ability and is capa-
BILE, If any man is, Of systematizing
our complicated, expensive and in
efficient governmental machine. In
his difficult dealings with suspicious
governments ne has been skill
vi diplomat, and if he reaches the
White House the government no
cnger will be disorganized by mon
etrous lack Of tact.
SO it is not strange that demands
<or his candidacy have come spon-
saneously witn increasing emphasis
Nor is It strange Mr. Hoover at last
yielded to the opportunities Of his
California 1eighbors when they
pointed cut the great need of g.
ieader II the state was ,ot TO be
counted with hose Who we're en-
asavoring to make the Republic a
hsrmit~-scaled into an aioofness
hat Mckinley. Roosevelt and Taft
all have said Is impossible and uf4-
desirable.
Whether Nr. Hoover IS to be nomi
lated or not depends or the volun-
tary action OF the Republican rank
and file. His candidacy, If ever one
vas, is based on popular sclf-deter-
rnination. lie is not a political regu-
lar, and Is not sympathctic to ma
chimes. In this respect he parallels
General Wood, as in other specific
usatterA The decision between tho
two ts likely 10 turn according
as there Ia Judgment Of personal
acmpetence. General Wood has the
HSysntaye Of having been longer at
work, but Mr.. Hoover secns TO have
10 Advantage Of tho stronger
yroond swell" and moro fervid