Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-08-06
Clearing of Air Is Believed
Motive as Coolidge ''Chooses''

A desire to clear the atmosphere in
nomination next year is credited to
President Coolidge in his statement.
Il do not choose to run for President
in 1928" The word choose" is vari-
ously interpreted. and while the New
England idea of finality impresses a
portion of the public. others believe
that it indicates sincere desihe to
let the party and the public do their
own choosing. The tradition against
third term and agitation on this
point are widely accepted factors in
the situa ton, which appear in second
day thoughts.
THE test Of what he means will
be found in what those who round up
delegates actually do" says the New
York World independently, with the
conclusions: Time will tell But until
we know. and we shall know soon
enough, the World for it's part pro-
poses to believe that the President
was telling the simple truth, that he
meant what he said, that he does not
choose to run in 1928 and that he will
take whatever steps are necessary to
carry out his decision" The Dayton
Daily News independent Democratic
also states: IF the Presidents deci-
sion is bona -fide withdrawal, as we
assume. ii does him credit. 1t nips in
the bud a dangerous attack on that
most valuable American tradition. the
two-term rule for President. 1t assures
to Mr.. Coolidge political freedom to
perform his duties and employ his
. l, CT 70
his countrys larger good"
Referring to suggestions as to
political strategy, the Baltimore Sun
independent Democratic) holds that
there Is one reason for taking Mr..
Coolidges announcement at face value
that rises above all such political con-
sidera tions--the simple fact that he is
the President of the United States.
The dignity of that office forbids the
use of petty aldermanic devices. "
This similarity is seen also by the
Pasadena StarNews Republican),
which suggests that the Presidents
statement has thrown the situation
Into utter confusion"
ITO suggest that because he does
not say that he would never, under
any dCICpl
a nomination, he may be putting out
feeler. is out of place." according to
the Milwaukee Journal independently.
"Why should he say such things?
Roosevelt said them and regretted
them. Mr.. Coolidge has decided not
to run for another term, and throws
the door wide open for all aspirants. ="
The Chicago Daily News independently
believes that while it would be absurd
to assume that nothing could induce
the President to accept denomination
next year, it is apparent that he has
acted in good faith to eliminate him.
self from the contest. II he is not
actually eliminated, the high quality
of the man and the public apprecia-
ton of his services must be held
responsible
y X II
ain assuming that Mr.. Coolidge Is
chiefly governed in his refusal to try
for third term by respect for those
presidents which are the true safe
guards of our republican form Of gov
eminent" the st. Louis Post Dispatch
independently finds itself in agree.
ment with the mass Of serious jour.
nalstic opinion" The third-term
tradition is accepted as a factor in
| the Coolidge decision by the Lynch
burg Advance Democratic). the Co
| lumbus Ohio State Journal U1epub.
lican) and Winston-Salem Sentinel Gn
dependenU.