Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1935-09-05

I have reported here, one cannot fall
to reach the conclusion that if many
Of the New Deal measures are held
invalid, the President and his New
Deal supporters, of necessity, must go
to the country in the next election
seeking constitutional modification to
permit the use of policies now inimical
to our form of government. That is the
issue which the voters will be called
upon to decide.
Since we have examined the circum-
stances from the New Deal side, let us
likewise see what the
AS to the Republicans and 9TH
ODDosifion er oppositionists are
doing. Lately, I have
talked with some of the recognized
Republican wheel horses. Whether they
speak the sentiment of the masses OF
Republican voters or whether they
voiced only their own views is not
important here. Political straws do
show which way the political winds
are blowing. So when these veterans
Of many political battles say that they
welcome the creation by the New
Dealers Of an issue, they evidently see
In the situation worthwhile opportuni-
ties. When they say that they are
willing to go to the country in defense
of the Constitution as it stands and
the traditions it represents, they evil
IDENTIFY feel they are on firm ground.
Much water can go over the dam
between now and November, 1886, and
much sentiment can be changed in
that time. But the Republicans thus
far have done very little in the way
Of building up their case. While they
appear to be enthusiastic about their
chances against Mr.. Roosevelt in 1886,
they have thus far failed to develop
even nucleus Of an organization.
1t may be their strategy not to start
their cannonading too early. Indeed,
1 have heard the thought expressed
that 1t would be unwise to use ammu-
milton too far in advance. At any rate,
there have been only a scattered few
direct attacks on what certainly must
be the issue of 1886, the question of
revision or retention of our Constitu-
ton. It Is to be noted in this connec-
ton that those Republicans who have
let go with a few shots have been Of
the ultraconseryative type. l think 1t
Is generally agreed that the Republic
can set-up next year will be managed
not by the old ultraconservatives but
by those who have pulled away to
some extent and who are willing to
admit that times have changed condi-
lions and new model, perhaps not
streamlined, is necessary.
One argument advanced why Re
publican leadership has not been more
active is that If a
G. o. p. Bides start is made too ear.
Its Time ly, the Roosevelt ad-
ministratlon will have
an opportunity to answer all of the
criticism. Said one Republican leader |:
"We would be utterly foolish to per-
NIT the New Dealers to know all Of
our arguments too far in advance. I,
| for one, am content to let them pro-
coed with their socialistic regimenta-
ton because I know that every time
| a calf is given too much rope, 1t chokes
| itself to DEATH"
Then there is another factor which
understand is responsible for the
delay in Republican attacks. A good
many Republicans have a hope, at
least, that campaign based on plea
for maintenance of our Constitution
and the traditions and modes of living
which it represents will draw to the
Republican candidate certain segment
of Democrats who are unsympathetic
with the New Deal. There has been
| plenty Of evidence in the session of
congress just adjourned that at heart
numerous Democrats lean to the con-
sentative as distinguished from the
New Deal method of government. The
closing hours of the congressional ses-
sion seemed to belle this. But anyone
who mingled among old time Demo-
Gratis In the house could not fail to
have observed existence of a doubt as
to the wisdom of many New Deal pol
icies. Those men were forced to line
up behind the Presidential program
not because they believed in it fully
but for two other reasons. These rea.
sons were: first, they still entertained
some fear that If they broke with the
President 1t might mean their political
defeat for denomination and re-elec.
ton, and second, they were harassed
and physically and mentally tired and
wanted to go home.
The late summer and fall months
during which these representatives and
senators naturally will be among their
constituents is rather likely to provide
them with better knowledge of where
they stand. They will come back mex
January either convinced that they
must tie fast to the New Deal or they