Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-02-19
NONPARTISAN Mr.. HOOVER
SERVES TIPS TO BOTH SIDES
His Concentration Of Interest on Vital
Issues Points the Way to the Res
toration of Health in Our
Political System


That view OF his acts and utterances
is at least exceedingly easy to entertain.
Neither Democrats nor Republicans have
yet officially formulated any definite pro-
grams for the future. Issues abound,
formidably. periiously. They are side
stepped. The impression that whatever
principles are supported by one party
will be promptly viewed with alarm" by
its opponent is prevalent and intrenched
in precedent.
Many Americans, even those Of the
most optimistic bent, are beset with
doubts. If sincere consideration of the
great problems which Cypress us is to be
confined to man who has repudiated all
political fealties. how is sane progress to
be stimulated? NJ. Hoover has force,
clear vision and expert knowledge. but
he cannot overthrow the party System.
machinery.
The unpledged reconstructionist who
spoke at length before the American In
stitute of Mining and Metallurgical Engi-
neers in New York the other night has
reiterated his faith in the republic and
the practical, efficacy of our institutions.
And yet Mr.. Hoover has of late been
prompting numbers of his fellow citizens
to wish that the words Democrat and Re
publican had never been coined.
In this case either he must be charged
with contradicting himself or else the
public has impetuously misinterpreted
him.
If the latter assumption is tenable.
Hoover is not engaged in heavinG rocks.
but in arranging them with 4 much
needed semblance Of order. The result
ing edifce is of inspiring architecture.
If parties are not bubbles, but, as we
used to think inevitable forces. the fair
castle of substantial hopes is simply
awaiting an occupant 1t is as inconceiv-
able that ore. if not ideal, at least serv-
iceabe, will fail to appear as it is th$
Mr.. Hoover is our only citizen who can
think clearly.
With the most genuine respect for the
mentality of the former food commits
sioner, it cannot be reasonably main
tanned that he is entitled to that unique
distinction. Furthermore. Mr.. Hoover
himself has never presumed so vain
gloriously. He has. none the less, pom
dered deeply and scientifically the per-
pleXities of the aftermath of world
war. His training and specific informa-
ton lift him bevond the fog OF generali-
zations. His present independence of any
political machine relieves him of the
pressure of dealing with opportunist and
strategic half-truths.
But he is not blasting the foundations
of the republic with his frankness. His
performance is, indeed, a magnifccntly
constructive preliminary to 4 political
campaign which thus far has been focus
ing attention more on men than on issues.
Mr.. Hoover may assist in bringing us
around TO a sensible procedure. Con-
tempt Of parties will not carry US far.
What is needed is some lucid expression
Of their meanings to save US from the
plight of struggling in the dark.
The New York address is opulent in
campaign keys. Those which will not ac-
tually unlock battling doors will open at
least antechambers into which we must
enter before probing the hearts of the
mysteries.
"No scheme of political appointment
has ever yet been DEVISED declares Mr..
Hoover, "that will replace competition in
its selection of ability and character"
In this compact phrase is crystallized
an estimate-a sincerely unfavorable
one-of government ownership and also
Of the anti-sociaistic inherent structure
of the United States.
Already we can show" he pertinently
adds, that no government under pres
sure of ever-present political or sectional
interest can properly conduct the risks of
extension and Improvement or can be
free from local pressure to conduct un-
! warranted service in industrial enter
| prises."
1t is no wonder that the speakers eyes
| twinkled when he proclaimed his aver
/ sion "to say anything about political
| matters" If Mr.. Hoover is dsnclined
/ to play politics himself, he is under no
/ illusions concerning certain indefensible
! features of the political game.
I Sectional interests" is suggestive
phrase after seven years of the political
domination emanating below the Mason
and Dixon line. The "Solid South" has
capitalized its imperviousness to healthy
dispayities of political opinion with ira
I ditional illiberality. This familiar situa,
ton has made for narrow vision in the
Democratic ranks at the very moment
when the party was prone to surrender
some of its archaic principles in order tc
accommodate itself to an unprecedented
International drama.
Mr. Wilson has been one of the vic.
Tins of this inconsistency. When he has
revolted, as in the case of the military
training bill, his party reverted to the
old sectionalist attitude. In appoint,
ments, in legislation, in a score of ways
the South restored to power under e
Democratic administration has not beer
fair to the nation.
Hoover is courageously candid in align
ing sectionalism among the drawbacks
of government control of quasi-public