Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1929-05-18
Presidents Tribute to Smith
Characteristic of American Life

Because bitter campaign was fought
last Fall for the presidency. significance
is attached to the form of the congratu-
lations extended by President Hoover to
Alfred e. Smith on the occasion of the
award of the Laetare Medal by Notre
Dame University to the former New
York governor, The Presidents tribute
to 80 distinguished an American" and
80 great a public servant" is accepted
as characteristic of American life.
President Hoover voices representa-
cinnati Times-Star, when he speaks of
his erstwhile opponent as a 'distin-
guished American and a great public
servant Al Smith is that. His rise
from the sidewalks OF New York and
the bef1eficent wizardry by which he
made the turbulent forces OF Tammany
Hall sharers in and supporters OF a
program that greatly promoted the
welfare of the foremost State in the
Union, constitute political romance
not soon to be forgotten"
OF the Hoover message, the Roanoke
World News says: 1T is a graceful and
sincere tribute that has a good ring.
And 1t is an evidence that. at least
among the real leaders, the party
system in America is on a higher plane
than the politics of Europe" The
Schenectady Gazette also remarks that
in some other countries "a political
opponent is a personal enemy" ana
that paper adds: There is no question
in those countries of battling through
a campaign or at a legislative session,
and shaking hands the next day. Per-
sonalities dominate. That is one of the
reasons We look upon our own country
as better than others-why We are
proud to be Americans"
u X X
"This free recognition of worth in
public men Is one secret OF the Stabil-
ity of the republic" agrees the Phila-
delphia Evening Bulletin, citing other
incidents: Two months ago, when CAL
vim Coolidge retired from the White
House, the eulogies which attended him
into private life were so completely nom
partisan that the Democratic press ap-
peared DESTROYS of wing with stanch
Republican organs in their appreciative
tributes So it was with Theodore
Roosevelt 20 years ago, while today
Elihu Root, his Secretary of State, is
not simply a Republican sage and leader
in the eyes of his countrymen. but a
distinguished American and great public
servant"
1t is recalled by the Buffalo Evening
Times that Gov Smith," Immediately
made a noble plea for national kind
ness and Cancellation. The same
spirit has expression in the tribute of
President Hoover to Gov. Smith" The
YOUNGSTOWN Vindicator is convinced
that the letter will increase the Ma
tons feeling that Mr.. Hoover is the
President. not of the Republican party.
but of all the people; that las for
Gov. Smith, he has grown IN public
esteem since the election.
THE President sets a fine example"
declares the Newark Evening News, in
making courtesy a characteristic OF his
administration. His tribute to former
Gov. Smith is gracious and just" The
Springfield Illinois State Register asserts
that 1.-THE compliment paid by the Pres
ident was richly deserved by his old
adversary" and that "Al Smith will go
down in history as one OF the greatest
and best men of his time" The Scran-
ton Times suggests that the letter will
win for Mr.. Hoover many friends who
supported Gov. Smith in the recent
campaign and who heartily thank the
President for his tribute to their idol"
The Rock Island Argus looks upon
this estimate of the former governor as
much more than a mere pleasant plat
itude" for the President could have
merely expressed his congratulations in
stereotyped form" The Charleston Eve
ming Post gives assurance that the
great body Of American citizens who
appreciate public service OF high merit
will join with President Hoover in his
gracious and truthful tribute"
1T Was an impressive scene, not with