Evening star., 1934-08-23
LIBERTY LEAGUE
HAILED BY PUBLIC,
SPONSORS ASSERT
Shouse Reports Wide Back
ing of Body Formed to
Guard Constitution.
THREE TO FOUR MILLION
MEMBERS NOW GOAL
Distinct Sensation Noted as Presi-
dents Reaction Is
Awaited.
BY G. GOULD LINCOLN.

The launching of the American
Liberty League Ito defend and uphold
the Constitution of the United States"
has brought an immediate and favor
able response, Jouett Shouse, preSi-
dent OF the league, said today. Many
kilograms of congratulation have al
ready poured into the headquarters
here. Cash contributions from two
women in the District of Columbia
turned up this morning.
The formation of the league, in
process of organization for six weeks
or more, has caused a distinct sensa-
ton. While Mr.. Shouse insists that
the league is entirely non-partisan,
the immediate Interpretation is that
its purpose is to oppose some OF the
plans of the new dealers.
Critics on Committee.
The membership of the Executive
Committee includes some of the
severest critics of certain phases of
the new deal, both Democrats and
Republicans. Former Gov. Alfred E.
Smith of New York, who talked of
the ''baloney dollar" when the admin
istration began its currency operations
and declared that the brain trusters
were treating the American people
like a lot of guinea pigs for expert
mental purposes, is one of them.
John w. Davis, the Democratic
nominee for President in 1924, is
another.
The Republicans on the committee
SO far are Representative James w.
Wadsworth, former Senator of New
York, who has been talked of as a
possible candidate for Governor of the
Empire State this Fall, and former
Gov Nathan L. Miller of New York
Irenee du Pont Of Delaware, who sup
ported Smith for President in 1928
and Roosevelt in 1882, is the fifth
member.
Won't Act in Elections.
'The league will definitely not par
ticipate in the congressional elections
this Fall" said Mr.. Shouse, when
asked about its prospective activities
today TT Is obvious that 1t could
not do so.
"The league will conduct an edu-
cation campaign among the people.
We hope to have three or four million
members and to be able to represent
them when legislation comes up for
consideration before Congress. That
is our purpose. OF course we cannot
prevent people from attributing politi-
cal purposes to the league. The league,
however, is non-partiSan.
At the White House today no state
ment regarding the new league was
forthcoming. President Roosevelt will
return to Washington tonight and he
will have an opportunity, if he desires,
to comment on the formation of Or
ganization at his press conference,
which is expected to be held tomor-
row afternoon. The President, Mr..
Shouse said was told by him of the
prospective formation of the league a
week ago. The Presidents attitude
toward the league, Mr. Shouse said,
would have to be given by the Presi-
dent himself.
The avoWed purpose of the league
Is to defend the Constitution of the
United States and to uphold the
rights OF American citizens. It is
difficult to see how the President
could or would quarrel with any such
purposes, the sponsors say. When the
league gets into action, however, and
definitely takes a stand for or against
legislation, the situation may be diff
ferent
Mr.. Shouse said he may make an
address dealing with the American
Liberty League over the radio from
New York next week. He is leaving
Washington today or tomorrow for a
Continued on PAGE 8 Column II