New-York tribune., 1920-01-29
Citizens Eager
To HelpPar
Decide POLICY
Growing Demand for Mon.
roe Doctrine Registered,
Many Urging That U. S.
Hold AloOf From Europe
Women Offer Suggestions
"America First" Stressed by
Contributors; Policy in
Mexico Is Criticized

With the fifth day Of The Tribune's
national Republican platform contest
the number of planks submitted
reached 667, q jump of 1923 in a day.
There also was marked increase in
the number Of letters from citizens who
desired to express their opinions on
what the Republican party should do
in its next national convention. Most
Of these communications were offered
in the way of suggestion, but not few
took issue with the writers of planks
already published.
Foreign relations continued to be the
most popular plank, even though, for
the sake OF clearness, the Mexican
question is not included in that classi-
fcation, but is made separate issue.
Capital and labor is still the subject
of many offerings. but has dropped
back in relative MISUNDERSTANDING
by the number of its advocates in The
Amercanism, social legislation, Boil
shevism and constitutional rights. In
cdentally. if Americanism and Boil
shevism were regarded as one issue.
that issue would lead the contest, but
it has been thought best to make a
distinction, on the theory that one is
matter of corrective legislation and the
other of preventive.
Monroe Doctrine Gains Attention
The contributions of the fifth day
indicated growing demand for some
platform utterance on the Monroe Doc
trine. This was shown by numerous
additions to the already considerable
number who favor platform declara-
ton for strict construction of that
policy. Most of the writer's who took
this stand either said or limited that
the United States should not take anv
part in the settling of Europe's affairs.
Very few held an opposing view, and
only one went so far as to advocate
me use OF American troops to combat
what he considered q menace overseas.
This writer. standing alone. lamented
the decision TO withdraw United States
troops from Siberia. Another contrib
utor was so anxious to conhne his
countrys military activities to the
Western Hemisphere that he wanted
Congress forthwith to submit an
amendment making the Monroe Doc
lrine a part of the Federal Constitu
ion. Still another expressed eager
ness to 90 TO the polls with opposition
20 Article \ as an issue.
Letters and planks on the Mexican
question Almost without exception CTlIl-
czed the policy pursued under the
present Democratic Administration and
al called for q firm and answering
assertion OF American rights coupled
with the protection of American lives
and American interests.
Women Make Contributions
Among the days contributors was
woman who condemned the Presidents
insulting attitude" toward the United
States Senate. Another woman ex-
pressed regret that no contestant had
thus far advocated the system Of uni
versal military training favored by the
ate Colonel Roosevelt. The answer
% this objection, so far as contributors
Of planks is concerned, is that limita-
ion of space has prevented supporters
Of plans for training the youth of the
country from going into details.
Advocates Of extension of govern
mental powers yesterday invaded new
aelds. One proposed that the govern
ment use direct influence on big finan
cal institutions to create Gust and
fair" market for Liberty bonds. Another
snted national home for the aged,
and third favored the establishment
Of national bureau to facilitate the
shipment and prevent the wasting of
soodstutfs.