The Bismarck tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, N.D.) 1916-current, 1934-11-15
Mr.. R00sevelt's New
Responsibility
New York Tinles)


New York Times)
No previous president half way
through his term ever won such an
overwhelming popular endorsement
as Mr.. Roosevelt received on Tuesday.
Concerning the means by which it
was brought about there will be much
disputing. Every man is entitled to
his own opinion about that. But the
fact itself cannot be questioned. The
presidents personality dominated the
whole campaign. It was as II he were
present at every polling place on
Tuesday. Candidates stood or fell
according to their attitude toward
him. Even Republicans were in awe
of his prestige and influence, many
Of them avowing intense admiration
for him, and pledging him loyalty,
although they criticized some Of his
policies. The result was astounding.
It reversed all the political traditions
and rules regarding the necessary re-
action against the party in power at
the time Of q mid-term congressional
election. Ancient Republican citadels
like Pennsylvania fell before attack
ers whose battle-cry was the name
Of Roosevelt. The whole constituted
an individual triumph for the presi-
dent such as never came to any Of
his predecessors, whether in peace
time or In war.
This Is the simple and irrefutable
fact, whether all the people like 1t or
not. No longer can it be said that the
New Deal was imposed upon the
country without being foreshadowed
in the Democratic platform Of 1882,
or passed upon by American voters.
Now they certainly have voted upon
1t with emphasis. less because they
approve of it In all details than be-
cause they Enthusiastically approve Of
Mr.. Roosevelt. Tuesdays demon
stration came as grand climax to
the fame and authority which he had
been winning ever since he took Of
flee in March, 1888. The only ques-
ton that remains. after this response
Of the oracle Of democracy to which
the country appealed and in which
1t still profoundly believes, Is what
the effect will be upon the president
use OF this added and heavy respon-
sibility put upon him by the will Of
the people.
It would not be In mortal man to
be without thrill Of qualification at
such an unparalleled tribute. But
close on victory presses the demand
Of duty. New power requires new eff
forts to justify its use. And unless
We entirely misrcad the temper and
character Of President Roosevelt, his
mind must already be turning to the
grave questions which the near fu-
ture Is certain to thrust upon him.
The figures Of election returns cana
not make him long forget the figures
Of public finance. Popular acclaim
will not drown out expressed fears
about new dangers from a new con-
gress more radical than the old one.
The president must be bordering the
ways and means Of exerting himself
so as to maintain the control which
the people seem to have placed In
his hands. He will note with keen
interest the testimony coming from
abroad to the effect that European
nations regard him as now truly rep
resentative Of American sentiment
and American desires. Will not this
incline them to mediate upon acts
Of international friendship and jus
tice which will confirm his title in
the eyes Of foreigners? It is needless
to speak Of the whole range Of diff
culties sure to require statesmanlike
thought and activity by him. Mo-
mentary self reorganization must pass
quickly into q deep sense Of RESPONSE
bility and resolves.
Mr.. Roosevelt,s position Is now
unique. As the election proved. he
has become the symbol Of nations
hope. To dash 1t after this would be
q disaster, both personal and public.
Any president properly aware Of this
must feel humbled in spirit. Who is
sufficient for all the things the peo-
pie expect Of him? They do not look
for miracles, but they do count upon
his rising to his great new opportu-
nifty. That he will not disappoint
them, is the feeling at the basis Of
all the compliments and Fluctuations
which must have poured .upon him