Evening star., 1932-02-05
Bakers Position on League
Puts Him in National Battle

Newton D. Bakers statement that
entry into the League Of Nations should
not be made an issue in the coming
national political campaign is widely
interpreted as an indication that he is
potential candidate for the presiden-
cial nomination in the Democratic con-
vention. There are differences Of opin-
ion as to whether he has strengthened
his own position by the declaration.
1T is generally thought" says the
Scranton Times CDemocratic), that
those Democratic leaders who oppose
the candidacy of Gov Roosevelt will
turn at once to the support Of Mr.
Baker" The New York Herald Tribune
(Republican) adds that "Mr. Bakers
return to the picture will be widely
welcomed" and the Youngstown Vim
dicator independent Democratic), hold
ing that his announcement will satisfy
the friends OF the League" concludes
that 1T has strengthened him with
leaders who feared he might be loyal
to the League to the point of imprac-
ticality." The Akron Beacon journal
independent Republican, feels that it
has put life into efforts to give him
the Democratic nomination for PreSi-
dent"
Recalling that editorially 1t has "ad-
vocated American entrance to the
League from the beginning" the Cleve-
land Plain Dealer independent Demo-
cratic) continues: 1T believes now as
thoroughly as it did in 1920 that this
Nation, which pioneers In the effort to
abolish wars, should take its place as q
full member Of the one going. organized
concern now dedicated to the single,
prime purpose Of keeping nations from
foe riy,p !, ptt tn rtn ind
the judgment of Newton D. Baker, how
ever, that to make the League party
question this year would tend to dis
tract attention from other pressing
issues more clearly within the field OF
immediate political action"
*
Noting interpretations Of the state
ment as equivalent to throwing his hat
into the ring" the Rochester Times
Union independently voices the convic-
ton: 1T does not appear that he
intends to 20 after delegates or to
make any other move as an active can
didate for the nomination" The Nor
gantown Dominion-NewS (DemOcratic)
declares: Thousands will take delight
In the fact that Mr.. Baker deemed 1t
desirable to make the statement that he
did. 1t does not, Of course. place him
in the field as an active seeker for the
nomination, yet 1t points to the fact
that he Is in a receptive mood, and
that he desires that there shall be no
false barriers between himself and the
honor which all honorable men are
pleased to accept. He now stands be-
fore the country and his party as a
man whose abilities and whose record
in the public service make him one in
whom his party and his country should
be glad to repose the great response
bilAies that are a Presidents"
Agreeing that 'it Is difdcult to look
tive candidate" the Cleveland News
(Republican) believes that "the nomi-
mating and campaigning will unques-
tionably have to be done by Mr.. Bakers
friends, II done at all"
Quoting Mr.. Bakers statement that
for entry into the League there must
be IAN informed and convinced major
ity sentiment" the Roanoke Times
Oemocratic) makes the appraisal:
"That Is clear and explicit. and. will
serve to remove objections to him as
the candidate on the ground that 1t
would be most unwise for the party TO
advocate entrance of the United States
into the League. Mr.. Baker Is in ac-
cord with this view, 1t seems; hence
one of the most serious objections that
has been raised against him automati-
cally disappears. Democratic leaders
will revive discussion of the Ohioan as
q possible head OF the ticket. True, he
is not seeking the nomination, but un-
questionablv he is one of the strongest
and ablest leaders of the party, and his
namc is sure to figure prominently in
the deliberations Of the national ccn-
vention in June"
There is doubt that Mr.. Bakers posi-