The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1920-07-31
HOOVER AND HARpINo.

\
II 10 evident that tho Saturday Eve
ming POST while trying TO instruct III
readers, is learning more itself Of the
great game OF American politics Within
the past six months, II has published
numerous articles. editorial and con-
tributed, on the subject Of the election
" the next president The burden OF
these writings was an emphasis OF the
Importance OF choosing a business man
president. They set forth the avail
ability OF Herbert Hoover In strong re-
ref' But our recollection is that they
we're uniformly fired over the heads OF
the community. Not one practical sug :
gestion was offered regarding how a
reader who was impressed could pro-
coed 70 act.
Now. however. the Post makes bold
to confess its disappointment with Mr..
Hoover himself which, II seems to us,
was inevitable. In effect, II says he
throw away q magnificent opportunity.
|. might also have added that he came
near losing his self-respect. Early In
tho year, Mr.. Hoover began TO talk TO
the reporters. He declined to align
himself politically. but outlined, from
time to time. the principles which ought
TO be applied and which were neces-
cary to win his support. There was
much favorable comment Sentiment
Tor him began to crystalize. This had
hardly started. however, before he an
nounced that he would only consider a
nomination by republicans.
When Mr.. Hoover decided 10 put
party above principle. he sealed his
own political doom. Ho became a ludi-
crous figure in the republican primaries.
No practical person considered him seri-
ously after that. though some OF his
foo! friends apparently still thought him
factor. The result was the nomina-
ton OF an inert candidate on q platform
IN almost diametric opposition to what
MT Hoover had announced was neces-
sary TO determine his support. And
MN pledged blindly In advance to abide
tne result No wonder the Post loses
patience with him.
Tho Post. however. INDUCES no ilIu-
slons over Harding. II declares that he
was nominated by the hard -boiled
crowd which knew from the begin
ming Just what II wanted and how 10
get IT, Neither the people nor Mr..
Harding had anything to do with Il ex-
cept that the latter offered himself as
pawn. Instead OF being a convention
rode with boots and spurs. Their plans
were carried out with a precision
worthy OF all admiration.
However. the Post was willing to give
Harding the benefit OF the doubt--to
see how he would perform. 30 to speak.
But 1t declared that the country Can
not tolerate another. administration and
congress that viii not subordinate anil
mosities. Jealousies and partisan advan-
tage." And again, "strong as America
Is. II is not strong enough to stand
partisan government during these crit
teal years" II is needless to attempt
to surmiselthe Posts emotions since Mr..
Harding has announced that republican
partisan government is the only remedy
he has to offer.
Mr.. Hoover Is taking plenty of time
to cogitate. It Ia probably beginning
to seep In on him what the partisan
idea has done to him. He started out
well. but when he went out OF his way
to surrender his publicly announced
convictions to craftsmanship. he ceased
to be Impressive. He and the Post are
enjoying expensive instruction. But
they are doubtless learning.