Evening journal., 1920-04-02
HOOVER AND HIS METHODS.

rr ERBERT c. HOOVER and his method OF campaigning
n constitute the subjects discussed in statement just
issued by the Republican Publicity Association through
chairman the Jonathan Bourne Jr In that state
ment 1t Is asserted that in becoming receptive cendl
date for the Presidency Mr. Hoover undertakes TO set
up his judgment on campaign methods against the judg
ment OF great OF all times in all nations He says
that the American people should select their officials on
their own initiative and he deprecaes individual cand
dsces.
Active campaigning for official position is not pecu-
lisry American institution. In Great Britain, where
Hoover has had almost all his opportunity 10 observe
political procedure the personally conducted campaign is
the rule Gong the country the peculiar political
procedure by which the ascerians whether
t has has the confidence Of the people. And when
election is ordered stand for seat In parlia-
ment and go the hustings in campaign that is even
personal than In the United States In Great Britain
Mr. Hoover well knows. candidate Is 'heckled'-iha
s required questions propounded TO him by
voters In his audience These questions are not pro-
pounded by rowdies who merely seek break UP meet
ing but are asked dgnned and courteous manner by
citizens who deem themselves entitled TO information re-
gardns principles before they cast their ballots,
IT is needless to review or even recall the personally
conducted campaigns resorted by leaders in the days
Of popular government in ancient Greece and Rome
Neither It necessary TO discuss campaign methods in
modern nations where popular government prevails,
other than those countries where the English LANGUAGE
is spoken where Anslo-Saxon customs observed
In Canada and Australia where representative govern
ment Is almost to the extent that 1t obtains In
the United States, announce themselves as candi-
dates make active campaigns, elected TO Office aud
are held accountable for the manner in which they fuil
their campaign pledges.
That is as Il should be- Mr. Hoover does not Ike H.
He be nominated and elected President without
any action his part that could be construed an ez-
preston desire for the position. lie wants the cer
cate Of election handed to him on silver platter. He
wants tho American people TO commit their des'nles TO
his care without his indicating the policies he would
pursue In shaping those destnles o wants tho millions
Of voters OF the country to take him on~falth.
lie is doomed to disappointment. Looking back over
tho political history Of this country and recalling the
campaigns participated in by such Jackson, Clay
Lincoln Douglas. Blaine Mckinley. Roosevelt and long
OF other great Americans whose OF mind and
courage OF conviction have made them leaders in Amer
thought the people OF this country VIII not put the
OF their dsapproval upon the principle that the
candidate must take the people into his confidence
Practically unknown 10 America and out OF touch with
American political conditions during all Tho years Of his
maturity Mr. Hoover cannot expect the people OF tho
country TO turn their backs upon who have worked
for and with them for the last quarter OF century and
place all their confidence in comparative stranger.