Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1927-08-12

Chairman Oidfield On Campaign
Issues.

Responding to a number Of requests for
an expression Of opinion as to what are
likely to be major issues OF the 1928 ptesi-
Dental campaign. and as to whether or
not the statement of Pres dent Coolidge
that he did not choose" to make the
race next year. would have an important
bearing on the campaign next year. Chair
man VIM. A. 0ldfeld. of the Democratic
National Congressional Committee, said
Mr.. Coolidge's withdrawal would have no
important effect on the campaign except
to remove the third-term issue. As for
other probable issues, Chairman Oldfield
said:
at will make little difference whom the
Republican party dominates, because the
convention Of that party will be dominated |
by friends and supporters of the presi-
dent, and is sure to indorse the Harding
and Coolidge administrations. That makes
the record OF the last two administra-
tons campaign issues.
I'm recent statement from the Black
Hills. the President talked Of prosperity,
OF foreign relations and Of debt reduction
and tax revision, and from what he said
we may understand that he intends that
his party's record in these matters shall
be Endorsed by the Republican convention.
Democrats will be happy to 60 to the peo-
pie on these issues, but by no means will
they be all the subjects that will be dis
cussed in the campaign.
with reference to administration claims
OF prosperity, economy and debt reduction,
the record has been written and il does
not support the claims of the admnistra-
tion spokesman. There were $50 bank
suspensions in the country In 1925, in
volving deposits Of approximately $275,-
100000. This is 296 more failures than
occurred during the entire eight years Of
the last two Democratic administrations.
During the first half of this year, there
were 1922 commercial failures in the
country, with liabilities Of more than $780,
100000. an appalliney greater number
than ever occurred in any entire year in our
history. These figures prove very conclu-
sively that the prosperity of which the pres-
dent speaks is not general, but very limited,
confined to few special interests, such as
big corporations which buy favors with
huge campaign contributions and get their
reward in prohibitive tariff duties and
other governmental favors.
"As for debt reduction. there is no spe-
cial credit due to either the Harding or
Coolidge administrations. From June 80,
1919. when debt retirement was commenced
by President Wilson and a Democratic
Secretary Of the Treasury. until March 4.
1921. when the Harding term began, the
debt was reduced more than $2.4OO,00O,-
600. or as much as it was curtailed during
any three years Of the Republican admin
istrations.
AS for the administrations foreign
policy, the whole country knows that it
has cost us inestimably in valuable friend
ships and in trade. 1t has lost us the
esteem and the confidence of all Latin
America. and has caused European coun-
tries TO chuckle when we talk of collecting
the debts they owe us. In Central Amer
lea. II has resulted in armed conflicts and
bloodshed. Latest figures from the Depart
ment OF Commerce show that our exports
to Mexico fell off $i2.00O.OOO during the
first half Of 1927. and | have no doubt
that when trade figures are available for
the balance Of Latin-America, this sum
will be multiplied many times. Thus the
Coolidee-Kellogg foreign policy. II there
may be said to be one. is costing US not
only priceless friendships, but valuable
markets for our farm and factory products
at time when we need them most
But these will not be the only issues
The country is not going TO so soon forget
the scandles which have marred our gov
crnment's record during the last seven
years. the oil scandles. the Veterans
Bureau and the Department Of Justice
records nor is it going to forget the de-
bauchery OF elections. of which the Illinois
and Pennsylvania primaries have been
slarins examples. History shows that
wherever a republic has been corrupted
its downfall has been inevitable. If the
corruption that is eating at the vitals Of our
government is not removed. it will destroy
our liberties. The republican administra-
ton has not merely condoned these crimes,
but has sought to protect the perpetrators
and aid them to enjoy the fruits Of their
wrong doing. The time has come to clean
house. and the party in power as now
controlled. has shown an unwillineness to
use the broom. Only by a change can
the evils that threaten the country be
removed.
ut may be that in foregoing another
nomination, the President. realizing the
handicap under which the Republican
nominee Of 1928 must run. has thrown of
milestone rather than put aside crown. T"