Evening star., 1924-06-09
The Cleveland Meeting.

Interest in the proceedings at Cleve-
land. where the Republican party
meets tomorrow to adopt a platform
and name candidates. centers in the
selection Of 4 vice presidential NOM
inee. Speculation ON this point is re-
yived with the positive declination of
ex-Gov. Lowden OF Illinois, whose
for several days. to permit himself to
be placed in nomination Several names
are now being actively canvassed.
Senator Borah. who has heretofore
been proposed with signs of unwilling
ness on his part. is once more advo-
Gated Former Controller Dawes is one
of the favorites. Gov Hyde Of Mis-
souri, has a real boom. Others are
mentioned each with a following
or. it would perhaps be more accurate
10 say, a pushing coterie Of advocates
Unless sentiment settles in advance
upon the man who is to carry the Re
publican standard with President Cool
idge the ballotinS for second place will
be lively.
AS for the platform, much doubt
prevails on the score of its exact
phraseology. But the question is chief
ly one Of text, rather than of prin-
cipIes. There may be a contention on
the point of prohibition, whether the
party will take a positive stand for
sitter enforcement, or will be content
to refer to prohibition as an accom-
plished fact, with no pledge for the fu
ture. The klan question may be de
hated. There are those who wish to
see the party adopt a strong position
in denunciation, and others who re-
gard such a statement as unwise. The
world court, it is accepted, will come
in for kindly word, perhaps a strong
statement of demand for a congress
sional enactment favorable to the
United States entering such tribunal.
1t is on the score of the perform
ances and record of the party during
the past four years that the platform
writer's will be put to their test. The
disclosures regarding the work of
members of the Harding administra-
ton make this task one Of difficulty.
In advance of the Democratic denunci-
ations that are to be expected from
the New York platform, it is necessary
to put forth some sort OF plea in abate-
ment. Careful differentiation is de-
manded to put the blame for the dere-
Lotions that are so painfully evident
upon the individuals who betrayed the
trust imposed in them.
This platform will be that Of Mr..
Coolidge. Not that he will write it. He
may not dictate a single plank. But
inasmuch as the party is pledged to
name him as its candidate, it must
present to the country statement of
principles that flt his record and his
known attitude toward the questions
of moment.
On the score of tax reduction an ac-
complishment may be and doubtless
will be claimed. That claim will prob
ably be denied by the Democracy. The
Republican platform may and prob
ably will point to the fact that tax re-
duction was proposed and urged by
the President and the Secretary of the
Treasury.
On the score of the bonus no party
claim can be advanced. The Repub-
lican President vetoed the bonus bill,
and Congress, by Republican as well
as Democratic and Progressive votes.
passed it over the veto. If there is dis
credit in the public mind for its enact
ment it falls upon both parties alike.
The Republican President, who sought
to prevent the drain upon the Treas
ury by his veto. will receive the bene-
fit of such a sentiment. If the pro
bonus sentiment dominates his action
will prove a handicap.