Evening star., 1936-02-02
Continued From First Page.)

ton include, besides Senator Glass.
Senator Harry r. Byrd of Virginia,
Senator Millard Tydings of Maryland
and Senator Josiah w. Bailey of North
Carolina. These and many others have
criticized the New Deal, or opposed
parts Of 1t, In words as trenchant as
those from Senator Glass or from ex-
Gov. Smith.
The distinction that marks these
two groups off from each other will
have bearing orl-will probably de-
termine-what they do during the
coming nine months that precede the
election. The distinction, it is hardly
necessary to say, is that the Democrats
not in Office will be willing to go farther
than those in Office and hoping to
remain there.
The latter group, those in public
Office and hoping to remain there,
will feel less free to take actions cor
responding to their words. The criti-
cisms of the New Deal by Senator
Glass and others in the Senate were
uttered many months ago. These
critics will be more hesitant to bring
their criticisms up-to-date or to take
corresponding action than ex-Gov.
Smith. For this hesitancy there is a
kind of justification. They are in
public life, and the continuation of
their usefulness, as they see 1t, de-
pelds on their remaining in public
life. Furthermore, while they dislike
the New Deal. they also dislike the
Republican party. They are reluc-
tant to take any step which at one
and the same time tends to retire
them as individuals from public life
and tends to put the Republican party
in power. The decision those men
must now make depends on sn in
tricate complex of conscience and
expediency, of personal conviction and
the desire they have to keep the
Democratic party alive and whole.
Some Of them cling to the expecta-
ton that, in spite of Mr.. Roosevelt,
they can yet return the Democratic
party to its principles.
Several Steps Face Insurgents.
For both groups the Democratic
critics of the New Deal who, like
ex-Gov. Smith. have no expectation
of holding Office again. and those who
like Senator Carter Glass of Virginia
are candidates for reelection several
successive steps in decision lie ahead
The first step is before them right
now. Will they begin at once to pre-
vent reorganization of President Roose-
welt? To prevent denomination of
Mr.. Roosevelt. if it we're practicable,
would be the best way out for all
Democratic opponents of the New
Deal 1t would be the best way out
for the party as a whole. The party
would then have a slate wiped clean
and go into the campaign with
truly Democratic platform and truly
Democratic candidate.
1t would mislead the reader, how
ever. if l suggest that rejection Of
Mr.. Roosevelt for denomination is
likely. 1t is possible, it could be done.
but it is unlikely. I suspect that a
very large proportion of the Demo-
cratic party leaders wish it we're feas-
ible. but sadly concede that it is too
formidable thing to attempt. If
the attempt were to be made at all
it should begin now. and there is not
in sight any evidence. even family,
suggesting that the Democrats will
name a candidate other than Mr..
Roosevelt.
Convention Next Step.
The next step in decision comes
when the Democratic National Con-
vention meets in June. Ex-Gov.
Smith put his finger on it. 1t will
come when the party approaches the
writing of its platform and resolu-
tions. BY custom one of the resolu-
tons should point with pride" to
the record of the Democratic party !
during the present presidential term,
in this case. is the record OF
the New Deal. BY custom, familiar
should say, in effect, We
Indorse and confirm and point with
pride" Yet as everybody knows /
many Democrats. typified by ex-Gov.
Smith and Senator Carter Glass, do
not Endorse and confirm and point |
with pride"
For such Democrats, the hour of
decision comes at the moment OF
writing or voting upon point with
bride resolution The alternative /
hey face is as eX-Gov. Smith put it:
There is only one of two things we
,an do, we can either take on the
mantle of hypocrisy or We can take
L walk, and We will probably do the
after"
Those last words of ex-Gov. Smith |
suggest either of two courses. The /
dissenting Democrats can walk out in
one of two spirits, either with con-
crete purpose or without one. II |
hey have a concrete purpose it would |
,e to form a third party. This is
What the conservative Democrats did
n 1896 when Bryan captured the
Democratic party wrote into its plat
orm free silver" plank and seized
he nomination for himself.
The less concrete destination Of an