Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-09-06

No brighter feather has adorned the
cap of Secretary Hull since he took COM
mand of the State Department than the
cancellation of the American oil con-
cession in Ethiopia 1t occurred in the
nick of time to clear the atmosphere
at Geneva, and probably made possible
the continuance of League efforts to
preserve peace between Mussolini and
Halle Selassie. Surrender of the con-
cesslon does not mean there Will be no
war in Africa, but it came at psyche
logical moment and undoubtedly post
poned an explosion. Politically, the
affair is regarded as being of material
advantage to President Roosevelt. 1t not
only enabled the United States to make
a contribution to the cause OF peace. but
gave F. D. R. an opportunity for prac-
tical demonstration that the New Deal
frowns upon dollar diplomacy" The
oil concession bristled with ugly inter-
national possibilities, and undisguised
relief is visible all over Washington that
the incident was so effectually closed.
* X -
Three States are holding elections on
September IT of more or less political
significance. At primaries New Jersey
voters will express themselves indirectly
on the States per cent retail sales
tax when they nominate State Senators
and Assemblymen. Gov. Hoffman, Jer-
sey's favorite son for the G. 0. P. preSi-
Dental nomination, is sponsoring the
sales tax enacted. by his Republican
Legislature If the Governor loses con-
troll of that body he and his program
will be seriously hampered. Pennsyl-
vanla in Statewide primaries will NOM
mate two State Supreme Court justices.
The Democratic administration OF Gov.
Earle faces its first test in espousing a
candidate for one of the places. New
Mexico will pass on five proposed
changes in its State constitution, among
them one which would exempt from tax
alton homesteads up to $500 valuation.
* *
Now that Postmaster General Farley
has surveyed the political lay Of the
land in person and made his rosy report
to President Roosevelt, relatively early
announcement of Sunny Jims" retire.
ment from the cabinet, to devote him
self exclusively to the 1885 campaign, Is
expected. Frank C. Walker, executive
director of the National Emergency
Council, continues to be regarded as his
hkeliest successor. Joseph p. Kennedy,
chairman of the Securities and Ex-
change Commission, is considered
another possibility for the place. There
have also been reports that Commerce
Secretary Roper might be transferred
to the postal portfolio, and either Walker
or Kennedy named to succeed him.
While Democratic managers radiate Sc
rene confidence in the Presidents for
tunes, Mr.. Farley believes in taking no
chances. He is preparing to organize
victory" on the same intensive lines pur-
sued in 1892. Plans of conservative
Democrats give R0oSeveltians their
gravest concern. Maneuvers of Huey
Long and Father Coughlin command
watchful consideration, too.
Fresh evidence that Republicans are
preparing to stress the constitutional
issue in their effort to demolish the New
Deal is supplied by arrangements Of the
Women's National Republican Club at
New York for a two-day celebration Of
the 148th anniversary of the adoption
of the Constitution on September Is and
II. To lend significance to the occasion
the keynote address will be delivered
by Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, ST.. widow