Evening star., 1932-08-24
Alfred E. Smith, Editor.

With the announcement that Alfred
E. Smith, former Governor of New York
and former Democratic candidate for
President, will be the editor of the New
Outlook, a revival of 1le-time weekly
in monthly rhythm, speculation is
stimulated regarding the attitude which
he will assume toward the ticket of his
party now before the country. He has
heretofore refrained from any direct
commitment. 1t now appears that he
has had other things on his mind, in
preparation for this appearance in the
field of journalism. And it also ap-
pears, from his statement concerning
his new duties, that he is stepping out
Of his political character entirely"
which would seem to indicate fairly
plainly that he will abstain from
partisan politics in the sense Of direct
and possibly even indirect participation
in the campaign now in progress.
1t would not be altogether fair to
Mr. Smith to interpret his new engage
mcnt as an escape from an awkward
dilemma In respect to the matter of
throwing his undoubtedly large influ-
ence into the balance for the benefit of
his successor in the governorship at
Albany and in the leadership of the
Democratic party. He indicates long
cherished desire to do something like
this" meaning the editorship Of a
periodical. He notes that for twenty
months past he has been writing for
a syndicate of newspapers. In past
years he has had to do worthwhile
labor by word of mouth and travelling
around. Now he has only to talk to
a stenographer. He is going to his new
pest with evident zest, and while there
may be a sense Of relief in the fact
that the larger responsibilities Of editor
ship may excuse or preclude him from
any partisan activity, he is to be re-
garded as going to a job that he likes
for its own sake and not for any alibi
that it may offer for absence from
political rallies or other occasions Of
Endorsement.
Memory is Immediately revived Of the
fact that In 1909 Theodore Roosevelt
went to the editorial board Of the Out
look, then weekly, from the presidency
of the United States, continuing in that
relationship until 1914. His picture now
hangs upon the wall Of the editorial
Office over the desk occupied by Editor
Smith. This is perhaps in attestation
of the policies that are to govern the
publication, as thus expressed in the
announcement made yesterday by Frank
A. Tichenor, who is backing the enter
prise:
The traditions which the work Of
Henry Ward Beecher. Lyman Abbott
and Theodore Roosevelt have made
in the publication now resi- ned are
rich heritage which the Ne. Outlook
will not ignore. But it will not at
tempt to survive on traditions alone.
1t begins anew with the october issue
as a monthly periodical owing allegi-
ance to no party. no creed and reserV-
ing the right to criticize whomever and
of the facts alone unfriendly and
dangerous to the interests Of the
majority.
Mr.. Smith Is not we'll known to the
American public as writer, although
the campaign of 1928 gave wide cur
rency to his political and social views
through direct oral expression, chiefly
by radio. He may possess or may de-
velop a trenchant style which will win
and hold for him a wide audience. But
certainly for the immediate present,
for at least the first two issues OF his
publication, his contributions to it will
be scanned most eagerly for what he
6ccs not rather than for what he does
say.