The Omaha guide., 1936-10-17
WHY THE NEGRO SHOULD VOTE FOR
REELECTION OF ROOSEVELT
COMPARISON OF CANDIDATES
BY KELLY MILLER

Comparisons ere odious or odorius according as they af
feet favorably or mfayorably the persons concerned. There is
little basis of comparison between Roosevelt and Landon as they
belong to different eategories. In experience, understanding and
achievements, Roosevelt ranks as the foremost statesman of
the time; whereas Landon has no impressive attainment to his
credit except the negative fact that he balanced the budget in
Kansas, which by state law he was required to do under pen
atty of impeachment. William Hard is Governor Landon's chief
spokesman and self-appointed apologist. And yet after numer-
Gus broadcasts he has failed to reveal in him any qualities above
the level of respectble mediocrty.
Rooseyelt's New Deal is the only constructive proposal yet
put forth to solve the problems involved and growing out of
the depression. Landon has not a creative mind, he constructs
nothing. lie accepts the fundamental principals of Roosvets
New Deal and contents himself with criticism of its imperfec-
tons and faults of administration. Roosevelt believes in the for
gotten man OF whom the Negro is chief. Landon stresses chiefly
the economic royaist and believes that the common man. like
the OK which pulls the pillow, should be satisfied with the proven
der which the lucky rugged individual provides for him
Any American, white or colored being limited to a choice
between two candidates Of such glaring disparity of powers,
would naturally be expected to choose the ADLER against the
feebler one
Governor Landon is 40 years of age and yet if he has any
fayorble attitude toward the Negro he has preserved it as a pro-
found secret up to the time 0 fhis candidacy 70 r~president. Up to
low his friendship for the Negro might be compared to the
chapter on oranges in Aaska-there are no oranges in Alaska.
Indeed, If we are to believe the president of the docal N.A.ACP.
of Govrnor Landons home town, he must be regarded as I'M
friendly to the hopes and aspirations of the colored race. No
man over fifty sapt to take on new endearmeents with much
ardor or depth of affection. The Governors campaign utter
ances on this question will of course be taken with the custom
AIRY political grain of salt.
On the other hand, President Roosevelt's friendly feeling
and generous treatment of the Ngro is known and aeknowled-
Iged by all men. He has placed on the relief roll perhaps one
third Of the Negro race. Selection has been made according to
need and not according to the race. The administration has ex-
pressly forbidden and condemned race discrimination in such
assignments as far as these matters can be controlled by gov
eminent authority. No one will deny that discrimination does
exist in some form, such as will occur under any administration
SO long as race prejudice is SO deeply engrained in the frame
work of pople. But President Roosevelt seeks to reduce this dis
elimination to a minimum.
President Roosevelt has appointed or has had assigned more
Negroes to high places under the government than occurred I'M
der Taft, Harding, Coolidge and Hoover, his four Republican
predecessors since Theodore Roosevelt.
Mrs. Roosevelt, the presidents helpmeet and companion, is
deeply and vitality concerned with questions of social Justice
land civic righteousness. She does not disdain to include the Ne
gro In this ennobling circle. Her sympathy for and her interest
IN the welfare of the race is no less manifest than that of her
distinguished husband. Mrs. Rooevelts bold and courageous
stand for the betterment and fair treatment of Negroes will and
should attract many Negro voters, especily among the women
who constitute fully a half of the voting strength of the race.
Roosevelts attitude towards and friendship for the Negro
is expressed in deeds rather than words, while Landon's is ex-'
pressed in neither deeds or words.