Perth Amboy evening news., 1923-12-10
CLEAN CUT ISSUES

President Coolidge's clean cut
message has done more to straighten
out the political situation In this
country than any statement that has
been made or any declaration of
principles since the war. 1t may be
taken for granted that the Presid dent
In this message has practically die
tated the Republican platform for
next year. He has placed his party
on the aggressive; the issues have
been plainly stated and there can be
no mistake as to the position taken.
The courage shown by President
Coolidge in speaking out as boldly as
he did has won the highest COM
mendation from all parts of the
country. Even those who cannot
agree with him on all the issues, do
not hesitate to praise the message
as an outstanding document that has
clarified the atmosphere and made
1t easier for the people to know
where they stand.
OF course, the Republicans as
whole will not fall in line at once,
Hi" Johnson Is not going to relax
In his efforts to capture the Repub-
lican nomination just because Presi-
dent Coolidge has made such a fav-
orable impression upon the country
by his statement of the issues. John
son does not agree with the Presi-
dent, naturally, and he will do what
he can to have the President re-
pudiated. But one can imagine
what will happen to the Republican
party next year If 1t should go into
campaign repudiating the Republi-
can administration under which the
country has enjoyed so much pros
perity. In fact, the President has
adopted all the safe issues with the
exception of the League of Nations,
and the bonus. But Johnson is even
more rabid against the League of
ations than the resident is, and If
ne favors the bonus he must oppose
tax reduction, as it is becoming more
and more evident every day that we
cannot have both. Judging from the
overwhelming sentiment in favor of
reducing taxes johnson is not going
to make much headway opposing It.
This leaves Johnson only the radical
Issues fathered by LaFollette, such
as government ownership, increased
surtaxes and inheritance tax, and so
on. AS between this radical pro-
gram and the progressive program
along such conservative lines as laid
down by President Coolidge. there
isn't much doubt as to which the
rank and file of the Republicans will
choose.
The Democrats have the League
OF Nations which they can support,
and which they will support IL they
follow the leadership of former
/ President Wilson, and If they accept
McAdoo as their candidate they will
be in favor of the bonus. Then,
there Is the tariff which is always
an old standby for the Democrats.
although in recent years some of the
Democratic leaders, particularly
those from the South, have become
almost as high protectionists as any
of the Republicans.
But President Coolidge, by taking
advantage OF his opportunity, has
blazed the way for the coming cam
paign. He has given his party the
inside track, so to speak. He has
been the first to define any real is
sues and has therefore had the
shoice of position. He has put his
opponents on the defensive. 1t is
he Republican party against the
field. They have definite program
On which to appeal to the people.
Others must either endorse this
program or else oppose 1t. The
time for pussy footing and hedging
is past. The people must either
stand with Coolidge or be against
him: he leaves no room for strad.
ding. 1t is an envlable position tC
E be in, and puts the Republican party
well in the lead for the politica
struggle just ahead.