Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1920-02-09
FORMER IOWA MAN SAYS HE IS
NOT A CANDIDATE FOR
PRESIDENCY.
DOES NOT KNOW HIS
PARTY AFFlLlArloN
Says He Has Not Vet Decided on
Alignment But Will Support Party
Which Fathers Nations League II
Question Becomes Campaign 10.
sue.

New York. Feb. 9.-Herbert Hoover
last night issued a stat sment defining
his attitude toward the presidency.
He announced that he is not can
didate for the nomination, and that
no one is authorized to speak for
him politically.
II the league Of nations is made
an issue in the election. he says he
will vote for the party that stands
for the league.
In response to requests that he de-
clare allegiance Ito either one or the
other of the great political parties.
Mr. Hoover says he will wait until
party managers stand for. and will
exercise a preroeative-o American
citizenship and decline to pledge my
vote blindfoIded."
Not Seeking Presidency.
"In order to answer a large num-
Der of questions all at once" he says,
"let me emphasize that I have taken
day off from the industrial con-
ference in Washington solely to at
tend to pressing matters in connec-
ton with the children's relief. /
want to say again: 4 have not
sought and am not seeking the presi-
dency. I am not a candidate. have
TO organization. No one Is author
lied to speak for me politically
Tells Stand on Treaty.
eff the treaty goes over to the
presidential election with any reser-
vations necessary to clarity the
worlds mind that there can be no
infringement Of the safeguards pro-
yided by our-constitution and our
nation old traditicns). then I must
vote for the party that stands for
the league.
with it, there is hope not only OF
ihe prevention of war. but also that
we can safely economic in military
policies. There is hope Of earlier re-
turn of confidence and the economic
reconstruction Of the world.
II could not vote with a party If It
were dominated by groups who seek
tc set aside our constitutional guar
antee for free speech or free repre-
sentation. who hope to re-establish
control Of the government for profit
and privilege.
81 could not vote with a party II II
were dominated by groups who hope
for any form of socialism. whether 1t
be naturalization of industry. or
ether destruction of individual
initiative. Both these extremes. cam
ouflaged or open.. are active enough
in the country today.
Di.Iikss Control by "sloes."
II do not believe in more than two
great parties. Otherwise, combina-
tions Of groups could. as in Europe.
create a danger Of minority rule.
do believe in party organizat ton to
support great ideas and to carry
out great issues and consistent poll
cies.
Nor can any. one man dictate the
issues of great parties. 1t appears to
me that the hope of great majority
of our citizens in confronting this
new period in American life is that
the great parties will take positive
stands on the many issues that con-
front us. and will select men who's
character and associations will guar
antee their pledges.
Refuses to Pledge His Vote.
4 am being urged by people in both
parties to declare r.y allegiance to
either one or the other. Those who
know me know that am able to
make up my mind when subject is
clearly defined. Consequently until
it more definitely appears what the
party managers stand for must ex-
ercise a prerogative Of American citi-
zenship and decline to pledge my
vote blindfolded."