Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-03-11
DEFINITION OF PARTIES
is THE NEED OF THE HOUR
Mr.. Hoover's Difficulty In Distin
gushing Republican From Demo.
cratic Issues Is Shared by
His Fellow Citizens


TNHE straightforwardncss and tested
i sincerity OF Herbert c. Hoover
promptly clears him of the charge of
waxing satirical at the expense OF his
warmest admirers. Hero is an unques-
toned presidential possibility appealing
primarily through the personal cqua-
ton But his response to the directing
spirit of well meaning club of boost
crs'' contains the explicit conviction
that political organizations must be for
the promotion of issues. not of men,
Such embarrassment as this obscrva-
ton may cause to the ranks of Hoover
enthusiasts is, however. likely to be no
more than temporary. While it is plain
enough that Mr.. Hoover at the very
moment when he looms particularly
large for his distinctive qualities and
equipment has refused to capitalize the
magic asset of personality. it should be,
upon reflection. equally clear that the
former food administrator has touched
upon a vital truth. acquaintance with
which ought to be exceedingly beneficial
to the American public.
Men. of course. are the focal points
of political movements. \ weak candi d.
date of party of essentially sound
standards is today even more undcsir-
able than in times when the ideal OF
partisan machinery was a nominee who
would "go along"
II Mr.. Hoover is interpreted as ad-
vocating pallid spokesmen for great
principcs his sense of humor, which.
though keen. is not perverted, is, in all
probability, much misrepresented.
Nevertheless. the most popular and most
vrile presidential candidate is fcttered
if his backing. however well intentioned,
is without program save what is ncbu e
lous and contradictory.
Mr. Hoover. whose nonpartisan-
shin has been held to handicap his
chances for the presidency, turns ont
after all to be the friend, not the foe,
of political machinery. His admirable
letter to Ralph Arnold is earnest in the
hone that organization may become moro
vivid by clear cut allegiance to prin-
ciplcs. 1t is the difference between
Democrats and Republicans which Mr..
Hoover yearns to discover. That is why
he places the emphasis on parties. rather
than individuals. They are of recip-
rocal IMPORTANCE fact Sometimes
overlooked in the midst of the logical
and laudable endcavOrs to pick 'strong'
men for the highest post in the ma
ton.
But without strong parties also, justi
e ,D,l,t,,al ;.yi
'pletc. The desired organization is at
tainablc in two ways. The man may
make the party-a feat which Mr.. Will
son for all his errors undoubtedly per-
formed with his Democratic material
or the party may be the intiator.
strengthening itself both by intcligiblc
standards and by forceful dominant
personal leadership. II the latter be
comes exaggerated, AS in Mr. Wilson S
ease, political decay may ensuc.
It is evident from the tone of tho
latest published letter of Mr.. Hoover
and from his previous writing and
uttCrunccs that he has scant respect for
the Democratic party. cloudy in prin.
ciplcs and apparently incapable Of in
dependent action. On the other hand.
the concentration of Republican efforts
III at,arhS upon Tue rrrsid'n' seems L"
""t' U'i"GS'u u, l'lru.o' ,'ro''SS'N'
't",', wan may
ut"I ",'"L. ho,, nli'''TS eI""' |" H'SI,n
e,iI,''ns o',T''" Nv DG,'io,'"'H ""u i'C-
pu"'i'au'' 'i' '"u '''' names ana ad
ut'I plonGn.iaii''u'oS "'urh'ng extremes
W u,uuuC'"tlon , anu eu'osS' hut can
-" "a Rnt; w ,.n' 'H' ,on,'i n'ns "'Puollcan
tanr,o "'%, r" atl ,Lo ,I oIar' noL '"' ShiPpins
,Tme" Jint i.ioJ -. ,uJ !aJ'' g.ooI'"', Tor mud
n,'o,;an anI,9 r",iT"'' ,tt1, "u"I'S, 'or recon
'''u'''on SuarlS rutlIo generalization
isaII.
This is Mr.. IIoovcr'. ror,,l,i,,t ,,J,
soborIv and devoid of ,ho .,!,IIin ".ie m'.ue
characteristic of "irdcnor,Io,,. ~.
duys when thcv worn ,rorrr,,lI,, hnInI 80 ,nI
.'mupvu,nns " If AR ITaa,,a,. a." q. a"utu .I
that catngory il iy aI.aan,h, "'o in'o
incIinotions IIc ,totn. sin,mr, ,r tt. usu'ns' ~
was Il Progressive Rc,,,hIi,'p'i I'a'p'i s"a' nc
war Tborc ror no ''',,, "' o'iore .le
n.r,i.on ,,hor,,,a, -" '''H''"h OF thc
"RrII Nonsnr. - r,a, ,"' 80 called
, briIIi,nt IcoLor L,, ,t ""'' J" true'
nrocrnn, rroo,,i,,,,oI o'' ,"'S nou also
iireL ''"'' ''''P''a'''alIy out
Do,ri,o ,,.,o. A., ..,,
botb of tho rr",on, -" Jo, wa "uard In
form fnnd,mortaI. "'' WIN plat
irN'''' 'tu'l' contrary to