, 1923-02-16
Constitutional Leddershib

EFT Us LOOK calmly and without bias at the
- national leadership We have had for the past
two years and determine whether it has been n
constitutional leadership as contemplated under
our form of government, or an arbitrary regime
bossed by one man with about everybody else re-
duced to the status of vassals.
The administration came into power in March,
l92l, when the country was in an industrial depres.
son, with the farmers at the bottom of the de.
preston. There were millions of unemployed, there
was a tremendous inflow of aliens threatening to
increase the number of unemployed; there was i'm.
minent danger of increased inflow of foreign prod
ucts to the injury of home industry; there was wide
spread complaint of heavy taxation; there was a
well-organized propaganda having for it's purpose
the supreme sacrifice" of American independence
for the benefit of Europe.
That resume covers some of the problems inner
tied and necessary to be met. A special session
of congress was called which enacted under the
presidents suggestion a series of measures for the
special relief of agricultural producers, who were
going over the brink of bankruptcy. An emerg-
ency tariff law gave some help; a revival of the
War Finance Corporation gave more help; an en-.
largement of the work of the Federal Farm Loan
board also contributed to the effort to save Amer.
lean agriculturists from the destructive effects of
the kind of deflation that had been inflicted upon
them; a more liberal credit policy in the Federal
Reserve system did its part. This without blowing
of horns and as a matter purely for the best in.
terests of one of the country's basic Industries The
presidents quiet leadership was present in all of
this necessary work.
Developments on the Pacific were such as to
indicate danger of war. Moreover, competition in
naval construction was preventing reduction of
taxes. a conference of nations was called and a
settlement of Far Eastern disputes and an agree.
ment for limitation of ornaments secured. Another
evidence of transformations leadership.
\ protective tariff law, an effective law for the
checking of undesirable immigration, and a budget
law under which government expenses have been
enormously reduced. All pointed out and request.
ed and the benefits and desirability shown. 1t was
leadership on the part of someone. Nobody was
commanded. Whose was the leadership if not the
presidents.
a firm position was taken on foreign affairs by
once and for all declaring that this country will
not interfere with European disputes, and, while
always willing to help in any proper way, will
retain its free and unlimited right to determine for
itself when and where and in what manner it
shall help. Under his aggressive leadership we
did extend help to the suffering in Russia; de-
ferred the collection of either principal or interest
on the debt due us from European nations; we
suggested the only practical plan by which there
seemed to be any likelihood of settlement of Euro
pean reparation controversies without resort to
arms.
There was leadership in all Of these things. II
appears to have been quiet and wise leadership
We have noted the complete absence of spectacular
performance, observed no paving of the earth, nc
beloved threats. Assumption of omnipotent vir
tue, and omnipotent wisdom is reaveled in nc
act or thing accomplished. There has been a strict
performance Of constitutional duties, and no usur
patton of the duties of others. 1t is all thor
oughly American and in accordance with highest
American tradition and practice. 1t is a welcome
relief from what has gone before.