Evening star., 1932-08-07


is quiet beyond any in the
writer's memory. If the ballot
i ing were next Tuesday, fewer
votes would be cast than at any
preceding presidential election.
1t is trite to speak of croSS-currents
at any time, and especially when no
main current has developed. But cross
currents are about all there is up to date.
Even the croSs-currents are not very
exciting. A few weeks ago it was ex-
pected that many Democratic candi-
dates for Congress in dry Southern and
border States would disavow their
partys platform plank for complete re-
peal of the eighteenth amendment. A
few are doing so, but not as many as
was expected. This difference between
local dry thought and the party's 100
per cent wet position is causing slight
cross-curpent, but not an impor ant one.
1t seems safe to say that the Southern
and border States will elect as many
Democratic Representatives in Congress
as is normal.
Scouts of both parties report that the
Socialist vote is going to be exception
ally large. This is the answer to one
of the mysteries of the year. Here We
are in time Of severe economic dis
tress and we have less insurgency in the
old parties than is common in normal
times. At neither the Republican nor
the Democratic National Conventions
was there any threat of a bolt nor any
resistance to the orthodox economic
views which dominate both platforms.
That could hardly be normal. 1t has
| been a mystery. The solution is that
good many persons, especially young
folks, are going to vote the Socialist
ticket. Not in all cases through ap-
proval of Socialist doctrine, or even
| understanding of it, but as an express
sion of distaste for the political game
as played by the two old parties.
A fairly important cross-current has
30 do with cost of Government and
| taxation. AS respects local offices,
members of State Legislatures and the
like, this interest is paramount. 1t
extends to a prejudice against mem
bers of Congress running for re-elec-
ton who have come under the sus-
picion of not being for economy in
Government. Some weeks ago news
paper chain made public list Of
Congressman who have their wives,
sons, daughters or other members of
their families on the Government pay
roll, as secretaries and clerks. Such
Congressman, according to the scouts,
are having rough time explaining
things to their constituents.
All the party scouts report greater
interest in local elections for Congress
and local State Offices than in the
presidential campaign. Perhaps this
will end soon. Next Thursday Presi-
dent Hoover will make his e'ocept-
Roosevelt will make an important
speech. Presumably this will be. in
effect, acceptance speech Such
speeches have pretty important place
in presidential campaigns and can
hardly be spared. Traditionally they
are supposed to present the candi-
dates position on public questions, on
the state of the Union. After these
two speeches by the two candidates
interest in the presidential contest may
develop. At present there is practically
none There is none throughout the
country, and at Washington one would
not know this Is presidential year.
Probably one reason for lack Of in
terest in the presidential election is
the greater interest in one paramount
subject-the state of business.
Business Holds Stage.
Probably the question the people
would most like answered Is whether
this depression is ended. To the writer
of this article it seems over, in the
sense that no further material shocks
are in sight.
The shocks, since about March Of