Imperial Valley press., 1936-06-12
THE REPUBLICANS GET AWAY
TO A GOOD START

Four years ago, forlorn Republican
leaders and public Republican media
doubted whether that party would ever
rise to prominence again. Some went so
far as to say the Republican party was
dead-that a new party built on differ
ent lines would inevitably be created to
challenge the Democratic supremacy.
How erroneous such an attitude was
has been demonstrated most conclusive
~. That the Republican party is far
from obsolete and that it can challenge
the Democratic New Deal in loud
voice, was illustrated in no uncertain
terms Friday at the Cleveland conven-
ton.
In selecting Governor Alf Landon as
its presidential standard bearer, it chose
the partys most powerful figure and
outstanding leader.
The manner of the selection, the
whole-hearted consolidation of the party
ranks evident in that selection. testified
10 a united purpose with serious intent
The platform adopted, despite the
usual political persiflage and high
sounding blare of verbal trumpets,
(Which always has been a characteristic
of platforms) was stronger and more
affirmative than many observers expect
ed.
There remains little doubt that the
Republican party can wage a worthy
battle for the administrative hOnorS.
And there remains little doubt but that
real issues will be involved in the cleo
tive competition.
Whether Landon or the platform will
win. no one can possibly fortell, but that
there will be contest with a champion
at the helm, no one can doubt.
1t remains for the independent citi-
zen to weigh argument and testimony
during the intervening months until
November, and they can have little doubt
but the revived G. o. P. will present
more than enough issues to give the pub
lie ample room for selection and express
sion.
Governor Landon was the most prom
ising candidate in the Republican ranks.
He can amass more united enthusiasm
between the old and the new q. o. t.
than could any other leader. He has
what it takes to bring east, midwest and
west together.
Four years ago he was the only Re-
publican to rise above the Democratic
landslide, and since that time, despite
the absence of grandstanding and pop
ular parade, he has steadily grown IN
political stature and political import.
startling as to have become the founda-
ton stone of his popularity. His busi-
ness life has been characteristic OF the
average Americana fact that platform
writer's and party politicians have not
failed to make use of. In home life, he
has almost equal appeal with Roosevelt.
As vet. whether he can match the RoOse-
veltian personality and speaking voice
remains in doubt. But that he can make
a worthwhile attempt to battle the
Rooseveltian political sagacity with like,
kind, either through his own guidance
or that of his strategists, would appear
more than possible.
In his few public utterances, ne has
attracted considerable favor through
viewing the New Deal record in what IS
a seemingly unbiased light. He has Civ
en- credit to the Democrats for more than
one accomplishment; while condemnlng
them for many more This would indi-
cate. however, that he is not afraid to
commend according to his own lights,
a characteristic further displayed by his
telegram, read to the convention, per-
tanning to the platform. 1t was either
commendable courage or sagacious STRAIT
egy that. in the midst of a Republican
apparently 100 per cent for leaving the
Constitution alone, LandOn courageous
ly voiced willingness to amend the IN
strument in at least one instance. Which