The Omaha guide., 1937-01-30
The President Begins His Second Term

President Franklin Z. Roosevelt, in the midst of nation
| enthusiasm and world fame, has entered upon his second
term as president Of this nation. lie has made his address to
the joint assion Of Congress on he state Of the country and it
has been remarked that this address was more true to it's cap
ton than the one delivered a year ago on the same subject
The address axes high rank viewed from almost any angle
This does not mean that it is free from criticism, but it does
mean that rarely does a man backed by the people as is l oose
vet-as indicated nthe last eleetion-Arse to the high level
Of craftsmanship as did the president on this occasion. The
temper and spirit of the speech could not fail to command res
pect irrespective Of party utilization.
His estimate Of achievements for the past four years, his
grasp of problems yet to be solved, his understanding of the
difficulties involved as indicated in his speech was simply az
mazing. Ills words were void of arrogance, revenge, or Bit
tcrness, and this is more remarkable in view of the stubbon op-
position and persistent criticism OF some of his policies. There
was implied a sense of responsibility to continue the program
of recovery and a sense Of the need of the cooperation Of all.
The president assumes that the depression is ended but
that the task Of recovery is still with us and to that task he re.
dedicates all the resources he can command, keeping in mind,
apparently, the welfare of the largest numbtr of the nations
citizens. lie had a right TO feel proud of the measure of sue
cess already achieved in that direction. He was courageous
enough to admit possible plumbers in the building Of instru-
ments and the employment Of methods In the attempt 10 achieve
what to him are still, not only desirable, but sound detectives.
To the disappointment of a great many he did not advo-
cTafe an amendment to the constitution, and there is no clear.
indication that he intends to do such. His coviction is that the
fundamental law as it stands embedded in the constitution
needs an enlightened view and Interpretation rather than con
stitutional alteration. Perhaps there would be little disagree
ment with the president on this point, but there is room for a
lot Of confusion and conflict Of opinion when il comes to locat-
ing the source from which this enlightened view expressed
through mass action would be misleading. Again, there arr.
those who would raise the question as to functional rights in
the Interpretation of the constitution. If the Supreme Court
is to furnish this enlightened view and Interpretation, that's
one thing. If is to come from an executive source, then there
would be need for AN amendment to the constitution. Even
then, there would be no guarantee that the view and interpret
alton would be any more en~lightening and constructive and, on
the whole, more conducive to the welfare of the people than
what we have had IN the past.
That was a great speech of the President. II followed,
it will win a large measure Of cooperation which viii be nee
essary in the execution of the constructive policies which will
continue to carry this nation forward.