Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-10-24
HOOVER BETTER OF CANDIDATES.
HUGHES DECLARES IN MISSOURI

Of the country. 1.-THE chief effort Of
our opponents is to make clear that they
intend no harm. For unless they can
allay the anxiety which has been bred
by their past utterances and perform
ances, their promises to be good will
receive but scant attention"
Apparently nothing so irritated the
Democrats, Mr.. Hughes declared, las to
suggest that they plan a return to the
conditions under the Democratic tariff,
tariff for trouble only"
Quoting Gov Smiths mention of the
Underwood tariff bill in the candidates
speech of acceptance, he declared:
This reference was naturally taken
to mean that Gov. Smith favored the
principle Of the Underwood tariff BILL
the last effective action Of his party on
this subject. But when this import was
found in his words, his faithful friend
and manager. Mr.. Raskob, broke forth
into profuse lamentations"
Others Not Converted.
While Smith and Raskob were trying
TO win the election by abandoning the
historic tariff policy of the Democratic
party" Mr.. Hughes said 1t was quite
apparent that the party itself, through
its effective representation in Congress
has not yet been converted"
Il should like to see the tariff made
as scientific as possible" he asserted,
without the sacrifice of the principle
of protection. But the Democratic
party, as party, has been opposed to
the principle of establishing duties to
afford protection against effective for
eign competition. The Democratic
party, which for generations has stood
for tariff for revenue only and in its
last action for the principles and
party whose leaders in Congress con-
tinue to hold the same sentiments as
those heretofore declared, cannot be
trusted with carrying out the principle
Of protection to American interests.
1.-THE principle of stimulating effec-
tive competition through tariff changes
would be especially injurious to our
farmers. They need more protection
and not less. This was shown In the
operation Of the Underwood tariff"
Mr.. Hughes declared that the prob
lem Of farm relief was most serious"
Sees Smith Alibying.
But even here" he continued. mo
definite issue is presented. Gov Smith
says he stands on the Democratic plat
form. When he has been pressed for
an exact statement of his views he has
stated that he would appoint a COM
mission, which would work out a pro-
gram. Now, I have long been advised
by the language of diplomats of what
agreement in principle means. Gov.
Smith has much to say about alibis, but
in principle
1.-THE truth is that the agricultural
problem is most difficult. It requires for
its solution the widest knowledge, keen
appreciation of the vast importance of
our agricultural interests, deep SYM
pathy with those who are suffering
from low prices and high costs, and a
determination to do all that is sound
and practical to afford relief It is
not matter for political quackery.
The farmers will have nothing to gain
from that but disappointments and
more misery.
IT believe that Mr.. Hoover is the best
man in the country to deal with this
problem. In what possible view
can Gov. Smith be preferred to Mr..
Hoover to deal with an economic prob
lem of this compleXity? The expert
ences of Gov. Smiths life, his aptitudes,
his associations have been remote from
difficult problems in general and agri-
cultural problems in particular.
Leadership Is Needed.
"It is clear that we need leadership
and special skill in finding remedies.
There Is no swift road to the goal we
seek, but should rather have Mr.. Hoo
ver's guidance than that of any other
man."
Calling attention to Hoovers talent
for cooperation" his resourcefulness,
capacity for leadership and experience
in humane enterprises, Mr.. Hughes de-
clared:
HE is seeking to be President not
because he wishes political control or
in the spirit of the lover of the politi-
cal game, put because there is always
before his view the myriad American
homes with their toilers on farm, in
factory, in trade, and he wishes to serve
them He thinks of our economic prob
lens in terms of help or harm to these
homes. Thus all his plans, which are
directed to material gains, have spir-
itual meaning. and one cannot under
stand Herbert Hoover without appreci-
ating the fact that above all else he is
an idealist."
The country's problems, in Mr..
Hughes opinion, are economic.
Would Avoid Politics.
"The less that they are made the
subject Of political catchplay the bet
ter" he said. "At this stage of our his
tory we need more than the background
that we usually look for in candidate
for President with respect to general
knowledge and political acumen. We
need the general knowledge the train
ing and the talent suited to the nature
of our exigencieS. -
"It is said that Smith would call able
and experienced men to his aid. But
we are not electing these men. Hoover
can call able and experienced men to
his aid. We are not electing a cabinet,
We are electing President"
Praising the administration of Presi-
dent Coolidge and the prosperity which,
he said, had accompanied it, Mr.. Hughes
added:
"If any one can buttress our pros
perity and extend it, that one is Her
bert Hoover"