Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1920-02-10
HOOVER'S CARD IS
PLATFORM OUTLINE,
WASHINGTON THINKS
Leaders of Both Parties Pro-
fess to See a Declaration
of Principles for Which He
! Stands

WASHINGTON, Feb. s.-Herbert
Hoover's statement issued in New
York last night, declaring he is not
a presidential candidate, was received
by official Washington as an actual
enunciation Of his platform. Of
ficials of both parties today saw in
1t strong indication that Mr.. Hoov-
er Is a receptive candidate" and
that this statement was designed as
a practical declaration Of principles.
Mr.. Hoover replied to those who
say he Is more of an Englishman
than American by saying: "As an
American citizen by birth Of long
ancestry, I am naturally deeply in
terested in the present critical sit
uation."
Making clear his attitude on the
treaty, he says that If 1t goes into
the election he will vote for the
party that stands for the league, and
fncidently he declared for, "reserva-
lions necessary to the worlds mind,
that there can be no infringement
of the safeguard provided by our
constitution and our nation-old ira
ditions."
Mr.. Hoover declares against in
fringement on the rights Of free
speech and free representation
against those who seek to regain con-
troll of governments for profit and
privilege against any form OF So
cialism or naturalization of indus
try.
Many officials and congressman
here TODAY considered this one OF
the most comprehensive declarations
of principle issued by any of those
mentioned for the presidency.
Hoover's Statement
His statement follows:
I'm order to answer large num-
Der of questions all at once, let me
emphasize that 1 have takeAAa oay
off from the industrial conference
in Washington to come to New YORK
solely to attend pressing matters In
connection with the children's relief.
want to say again, I have not
sought and am not seeking the presi-
dency. I am not a candidate. L
have no organization No me is
authorized to speak for me politi-
cally..
LAS an American citizen by birth
and of long ancestry, I am naturally
deeply interested in the present crit
zeal situation. My sincere and only
political desire is that one or both
OF the great political parties will APP
proach the vital issues which have
grown out of the war and are new,
with a clear purpose looking to the
welfare of our people, and That can
didates capable of carrying out this
work should be nominated.
Favors the League
IF 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 safeguard pro-
vided by our constitution and our
nation-old tradition), then I must
vote for the party that stands for
the League. With it, there is hope
not only of the prevention OF wal,
but also that we can safely econo-
mize in military policies. There is
hope of earlier return OF confidence
and the economic reconstruction of
the world.
II could not vote with party if
it were dominated by groups who
seek to set aside our constitutional
guarantee for free speech or free
representation, who hope to re-es-
tablish control of the government
= for profit and privilege. 1 could not
\vote with a party if it were domi-
mated by groups who hope for any
form of socialism whether it be ma
tionalization of industry or other
destruction Of individual initiative
Both these extremes, camoufiaged
or open, are active enough in the
country today. Neither Of these
Nominations would enable those con-
structiYe economic policies that will
get US down from the unsound eco
nomic practices which Of necessity
grew out of the war, nor would they
secure the good will to production
in our farmers and workers or main
tain the initiative of our business
men. The issues look forward not
back.
Two Parties Necessary
Il do not believe in more than
two great parties. Otherwise, com
binations Of groups could, as in Eu.
rope, create a danger Of minority
rule. I do believe in party organiza-
ton to support great ideals and tc
carry great issues and consistent
tate the issues Of great parties. Il
appears to me that the hope of 6
great majority of our citizens II
confronting the new period in Amer
lean life is that the great parties
will take positive stands on the
many issues that confront US, ant
will select men whose character ant
associations will guarantee t1eil
pledges.
81 am being urged by people II
both parties to declare my allegi
ance to either one or the other
Those who know me know that
am able to make up my mind wher
q subject is clearly defined. Conse
quently, until it more definitely ap
pears what the party manager!
stand for, I must exercise a prerog
alive of American citizenship ant
decline to pledge my vote blind
folded.
Il am not unappreciative Of thu
many kind things that my friend
have advanced on my behalf. Ye
l hope they will realize my sincerit.
in not tieing myself to undefnet
craftsmanship