Carolina watchman. [volume] (Salisbury, N.C.) 1871-1937, 1931-12-18

Gates the sentiment which rules the party coun-
sells. Unless the candidate can have the sup
port OF his own party organization through
out the country he is doomed to failure from
the start.
Sc the task for Democrats next year is to
frame a declaration of principles in tune with
the vibrant aspirations of forward-looking
Americans of all parties; and to name for the
presidency some citizen who is known every
where to embody these principles in his pub
lie life.
The Democratic platform adopted at Hous-
ton in 1923 was a disappointment. In its decla-
ratlons on the tariff and on foreign relations,
in particular-basic issues in these days of del
icate balances-it flew the flag of hesitation
and compromise when a clear expression of
purpose was called for.
On such a platform no party could go any
where. Nowhere the party went.
Since Houston the country has entered a
new era. The economic smash of 1929 was not
foreseen in the 1928 campaign. Mr.. Hoover
was elected on the promise, sometimes express
ed but more often implied, that a Republican
victory would insure America another four
years of the Coolidge prosperity.
Though depression is not, for the most part,
a fruit of party policy, the promises of the last
presidential campaign rise now to curse the
promisors. 1t offers Democracy its best oppor-
tunity since Roosevelt split his party.
If the party of Woodrow Wilson uses the
opportunity to lead the country out of the
morass of economic stagnation into which
worldwide affliction and bad political man
agement have led it, the party will deserve
we'll of posterity. If it tries to use it merely
for party advantage, it will merit and probably
receive the condemnation of thinking men.
Let the platform, then, be broad, liberal and
intelligent.
Let the candidate be one experienced, clear
visioned and able, one capable of inspiring a
nation to high endeavor.
Political logic forces to national attention
the supreme availability of Newton D. Baker.
His nomination to oppose Herbert Hoover
when the now president-elect seeks the Gus
tomary second term will be a triumph of prin-
ciple over mere party expediency. To an ex-
tent not true of any other political leader of
the day he represents the intelligent liberal and
progressive aspirations of millions of his fellow
Americans.
This was said more than three years ago,
shortly after the election of Mr.. Hoover. De-
~velopments since then at home and abroad add
emphasis to the truth of this declaration.
Newton D. Baker is not a candidate for the
presidency. He has no organization. He has
entered no state primary for delegates.
Yet with the single exception of Gov. Roose-
1,o1+ III MAJ, Vol, NJ. p.1-o. =, 4Io Ill
ed-of man in the Democratic party as a pres
idential possibility. The movement in his ia
vor grows in many states.
What is said here in favor of Mr.. Baker as
a candidate is said not in hostility to any other
candidacy. 1t is said only in cordial recognition
of his many distinguished qualities.
It is the universal testimony of those famil-
lar with Mr.. Bakers conduct of the War De-
partment that it marked him an executive
with phenomenal ability, excellent tact, in
domitable industry and a breadth of vision
rarely found in political office. Try as it
would, the anti-Wilson regime that followed
could find no scandals in Mr.. Bakers conduct
of the department.
With the retirement of President Wilson
Newton D. Baker returned to Cleveland, i'm
poverished in purse but enriched in the quail
titles that distinguish the leaders of men. The
years of his freedom from politics have been
years of ripening talents, and of growing rec
ignition wherever men talk together of their
country's welfare.
This recognition becomes more outspoken
as the time approaches for the election of del
egates to the national convention early next
summer. The more thoroughly the qualifica-
tons of other possible candidates are examined
the clearer becomes Mr. Raker's c0nsnicu0us