Evening star., 1924-12-17
Politics at Large
NY N. o. MESSENGER.

ieccss on tne zUtn ana Interest,"
In legislative affairs will be sus-
pended. Until Congress takes a fresh
breath and starts in upon the hectic
short session, which In to close March
4, official Washington is likely to con-
Germ itself very largely with interna-
tional affairs having bearing upon
policies relating to naval armament,
which, of course, will include coming
legislation on naval appropriations.
The policy Of the administration upon
these is pretty well understood In Off
cial circles, as President Cooiidge's
mind and plans are disclosed 20 those
about him. 1t Is made very plain to
his friends and assistants where he
stands on national defense.
1t is known that President Coolidge
has no intention to allow national
defense to be weakened for lack of
sustenance and its is also known that
he is determined not to countenance
any course or policy which will indi-
cate q disposition on the part of this
country TO participate in interna-
tiona1 competition or military arma-
ment
~ y S.
President Coolidge regards the
achievements of the Washington
conference as one OF the most VAL
liable ever rendered to humanity In
any era. He does not intend to toll
crate any weakening OF the benefit
conferred upon the world through the
iniAtive and action of the United
States. His heart and SOUL are bound
up In increasing In every way pos
Z sibie the structure OF international
unity, which he has seen started and
carried on by the administration OF
his predecessor and throughout his
own. At the same time he wants to
see to 1t that his counfry's defenses
are maintained. President Coolidge
Is practical man as well as an In
tense humanitarian and therefore by
no means a dreamer of dreams which
cannot be made OF utilitarian benefit.
y y %#
1t is said that he would deem II
the proudest Accomplishment of his
administration IL when he goes out
Of office he can leave the record OF
having done something OF lasting
utility to the world at large in the
way Of maintaining Its peace, through
practical and not visionary means.
Many thoughtful men in congress
sionai and official life in Washington
look forward to 1895 as likely TO be a
crucial year In world peace. 1t is
realized that relations with Japan are
In a delicate condition, which will re-
Quire the wisest statesmanship and
patriotism and the best thou ght of
the best minds OF the country to pre-
vent Misunderstanding which raight
lead to friction. President Coolidge
and his entire cabinet are deter
mined to do everything in their pow
er to avoid irritation and the Presi-
dent is seizipg every opportunity to
assure the Japanese people Of the
amity of the people OF this country
for them. The will TO peace Is strong
among the people of the United States
and 1t Is fixed policy of the Gov
ernment OF the United States. AS
surance of these facts is to be driven
home to the people and government
of Japan at all times.
y r.
Domestic politics in the coming
new year is likely to be , ,ncerned
largely with the New York mayor
atty campaign. Definite announce.
ment was made Monday by Mayor
Hylan that he will seek renomina-
tion to that ONCE. AS he puts II, ne
intends to stay on the mayors job
until he Is so years of age, which
will carry him over another term in
office If he can achieve IT,
Gov. Alfred E. Smith OF New York
10 likely to have q good deal to say
about his denomination. however, for
Gov. Smith is unquestionably the
leading Democrat of New York State
II not the most conspicuous figure In
the Democratic party of the country
mayoralty campaign in New York
Is almost a national affair and the
selection of the opposing candidate
Will attract country wide attention.
Mayor Hylan's emphatic announce
ment that he Is not only willing but
determined to run, has cleared the
atmosphere and may be said really to
have started the campaign.
X
The new year Is coming in with
the most encouraging prospects In
business and business, OF course,
ls closely connected with poll
tics and legislation. Some of the
most prominent financiers and bust.
ness men In the country have In the
past few days given out statements
congratulating the Nation upon a
very satisfactory condition of present
affairs with a reasonable warrant of
continuing improvement. They also
sound note of warning against pos
sible dangers which may arise and
which will require constant watch
fulness to prevent becoming disturb.
ing elements. The principal Of these
are regsrde as being increase OF
and overstumulation and of possible
inordinate demands for wage In
creases. In the relations between
capital and labor the wise counsel of
Samuel Gompers will be missed until
labor has picked q leader with the
wisdom and attributes OF Mr.. Com
pers.
with administrators efforts and
policies for international peace and
"a fYa .v~A ~mkw-
boom; with a party established In po-
litical power backed by the conserva-
tive voters OF the country, the coming
new year ought to be one Of interna l.
tional and domestic progress and
prosperity.
Every once in while some low
spirited group takes 1t upon itself
to deplore the "materialism' of Amer
ica. OF course, these Jeremiahs do
not affect the average citizen, who
looks upon the Americans as a pretty
decent sort, who. while paying rea-
sonable attention to material affairs
have certainly proven by their ac-
tions throughout the history of the
Nation that the Nations ideals are
strong and that its citizens live up to
them. 1t Is felt that 1925 bids fair to
be q year Of further exemplifications
Of ideals in actual practice, with
beneficial results to the world al
large and to our own people. When
the new Congress takes hold. whether
1t be an extraordinary session to be
called by the President after March
or not until the beginning OF the
regular session there will be legis-
lation further along humanitarian
lines. Groundwork plans for this
are already being discussed by states
men. There will also be legislation
designed to better material cendi-
tions.
X n %k
So as the country goes through the