Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1936-01-09

business interests n the admins
%tration, which seemed to be certain
has been complicated. The announce
ment by Senator William E. Borah
that he is willing 10 lead the mobili-
cation of liberals" in the republican
party and that his name could be en-
tered in any presidential primary
where his friends thought he could
win, has done much to shatter the
lineup. The Idahoan is well known for
his blasts against %monopolies and is
constantly waging an oratorical war
against the threat of big business to
control the nation.
Borah, it is generally understood,
will never go as far as some of the
other capital progressives. Within the
ranks of his party, however, and
against its conservative elements, he
is adamant, never hesitating to lam
bast promises or persons with whom
he d~isagrees. Moreover, the present
situation is intensified by strong per-
sonal antipathy towards former Presi-
dent Hoover, the speaking, if not &C
tual, leader of conservative republi-
canism today.
The clash between these two men
BODIES no easy road for the republican
party. Their political ideals are in
hopeless conflict. Both may be expect
cd to wage a hard hitting campaign to
control the convention which meets at
Cleveland. Undoubtedly, the line OF
cleavage will be sharp and the wounds
deep. The success of either will be at
heavy cost to the prospects of party
success next fall.
The Borah idea is hat the republi-
can party must be liberalized or face
the danger of being completely domi-
mated and controlled by reactionaries,
which, in his view, would be abso-
lutely fatal. The senator explains his
position by offering to support the
liberal movement and to become a
candidate when such action on his
part would promote the success of the
effort to frame the party platform,
command its machinery, and direct its
course. Conceivably, the Idahoan, who
has never bolted his party, acts
through a sense of loyalty to republic
canism as he sees it. He hopes to avoid
what he thinks would be inevitable
disaster.
Senator Borah will wage an ag-
gressive campaign to be directed by
an advisory board of senator's and
progressive leaders. Next month the
candidacy will be openly announced
and while the principal effort will be
put forth in the west where his pres
tige is strongest, supporters in the east
will be encouraged to pick UP stray
delegates in districts that are favor
able. The objective is to secure such
strength as to have the balance Of
power in the convention, thus forcing
the party to adopt a liberal platform
and accept Borah as the standard
bearer or else someone with his ap-
proval.
The senator will oppose restoration
of the gold standard and support a BIZ
metallic system after International
agreements, continue his opposition to
American membership in the League
of Nations and World Court, advocate
strict enforcement of the antitrust
laws to destroy ~monopolies and favor
the repeal of the AAA in favor Of a
substitute now being studied out.
The Borah declaration, accepting
the support Of Wisconsin liberals, has
caused a great stir on the part of both
wings of the party, reminiscent of the
1912 activity ard with the prospect
of becoming almost as bitter as the
battle. between Taft and Roosevelt.
The Old Guard will continue to fight
through uninstructed and Stalking
horse" favorite son delegates, believ-
ing that they can control the conven-
ton with the support of former Pres
ident Hoover. They believe that SEN
ator Borah will need the almost solid
support of the west, and a fighting
faction from the east, to be effective.
Already three outstanding senate pro-
gressisves are not expected to aid him.
Senators Norris, Johnson, and LaFol-
lette are generally regarded as certain
to support President Roosevelt. On the
other hand, Senators Nye and Frazier
of North Dakota, Norbeck of South
Dakota, and Steiwar and McNary OF
Oregon, probably will be on the side
of the Idaho senator.
Republican regulars" have no idea
that Borah can win the nomination.
Conceivably, they may be badly in
error, but they feel that it will be i'm
possible for him to secure necessary
eastern support. In fact, so-called big
business would be about as antagon-
istic to Mr.. Borah as to the president.
However, the regulars realize that de-
termined effort on the part of Borah
supporters would emphasize the di-