Evening star., 1932-02-16

ponent II unjustified- It u worse
it is uncalled for, unpardonable, dan
gerous
If our leaders with impunity and
without prudence may assal the pri-
vate character Of one who is honestly
OF different political faith or eco
nomic school, what Is their responsi-
bility II some poor, misguided, over
emotional and easily led fanatic should
decide to emulate Booth, o 0uiteau,
Czolgce1? Is the character assassin
who works with deliberation any less
guilty than that other dts an ugly
worD murderer? I leave the answer
to the good judgment Of my hearers.
Hoover Defended.
Harsh criticism, personal slurs and
insinuations, have been hurled at Presi-
dent Hoover on the floor of the United
States Senate. in the public press and
from the public platform. He has
borne them without complaint, con-
scious OF his own honest intentions
No President since the Civil War has
been confronted during his term with
more complex and dificult problems
He has faced them earnestly, uncom-
plainingly, and bravely, just as Lincoln
faced his problems. With courage un-
surpassed on the battlefield. With no
regard for personal comfort and safety.
he has devoted his time and strength
to finding wise solution of the prob
lens confronting the Nation and its
people. In the face Of bitter and un.
just criticism, despite the slurs and
innuendoes against his ability and de-
votion to his country, regardless of
the base attacks on his Americanism
he has steadfastly gone on seeking the
peoples welfare.
Our interest and welfare are his
highest aim. He will make any rer-
sonal sacrifice for the peoples GOOD
He Is partisan, as all Americans are
partisans; but first he is a patriot, as
all good Americans are patriots. The
problems he has had to face have been
the peoples problems, and he has dealt
with them as a patriot. His plans for
their solution may or may not be in
accord with that Of somebody else: but
the responsibility for having a plan and
presenting it to Congress and to the
country Is his responsibility. He is not
shlrking that responsibility but has
given, and continues TO give, these
problems the best and most sincere
study which any man can give them
honestly and fearlessly he offers what
his judgment indicates to be the best
solution. Wherein does a difference of
opinion on that solution constitute the
right to make a personal attack on his
character, ability or patriotism? Let
no man besmirch the good name Of
another as political expedient.
Neither party Is worth it.
Faith Of Americans Triumphs.
Just as Washington prevailed over
those who called him vile names; Just
as Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln and the
others whom I have named kept stead
fastly on toward the right as they saw
1t, with the fineness of their personal
characters unhurt by the ISLANDERS Of
their contemporary detractors, 50 now
the President applies his energy, not to
any refutation OF these personal at
tacks, but solely to the problems of
state before him. problems of an enor-
nifty such as no other peacn-time Presi-
dent has had to face. Let : be thank
full that neither the slanderer nor the
detractor has undermined his faith in
America and Americans. nor deviated
him from the path Of duty .s he sees
it in the light Of his own experience
and the counsel Of his advisers. And In
spite Of the attacks-in spite Of the stu