The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1914-1938, 1937-10-28
G. o. p. Conference

Observation-Disclosures is mucn Tall
among the Republicans, both TO
and against, concerning the propos
al to hold a general party confer
ence early next year. The plal
projected would bring together dele
gates from every state just tn,
same as the convention that is hell
every four years for nominating tn,
presidential and vice presidential
candidates and formulation of part!
policies through adoption of cam
paign platform.
The question has many angles ane
in consequence many pros and con.
already have been advanced. II
natural consequences also, some very
weu-known Republicans have taker
definite decisions, either for o,
against the plan which has the ap-
prevail Of men like John Hamilton
chairman of the Republican nation
al committee, and former President
Herbert Hoover. Some very splen-
did men find themselves honestly in
opposition and have said so in un-
equivocal terms.
The issue will be fought out at q
meeting of the national committee
early in November and probably
there will be such q convention
early in 1888.
AS I have said. there is argument
on both sides but after discussing
the situation with many Republic
cans it appears to me that the adj
vantages outweigh the disadvan-
tages. say this from the stand
point of the country at large.
Many times in these columns, I
have expressed the conviction that
a strong minority party. whether
that party be Republican or Demo-
cratic, is very healthy condition
for the country as whole. A polit-
ical party with too great major
ity IS likely to run away with itself
and do many unsound things. We
have had proof Of this during the
Roosevelt administration and we
had proof Of it during the admins
trations Of the late President Har-
ding and President Coolidge when
Republicans had too many menu
bers Of the house and the senate
and the Democratic minority was
tmpotent.
I cannot speak from q Republican
standpoint any more than I can
speak from q Democratic stand
point. Nevertheless. from the posi-
ton I attempt to follow as an OBJ
server Of national affairs and long
range national policies, it does seem
that the Republicans ought to quit
fighting among themselves and get
together to oppose that which the
present minority in this country
finds objectionable In President
Roosevelt's policies. They ought to
determine on q set of principles
and stick to them. It is their obi.
CATION and If they fail to fulfill that
obligation, it seems to me they had
best disband, get rid of those who
attempt to be leaders in the Repub-
hcan party and let somebody else
organize the minority faction in the
United States-and 1t is to be re-
membered that even in the last
election there were almost 10000. 600
Republican voters.
In advocating this action, I am
not motivating as much by my be-
lief In and support of some of Mr..
Roosevelt's policies as I am in my
disagreement with others Of the pro-
gram in which the New Dealer has
adhered.
A strong and vocal minority will
insure the retention of rights and
powers in the hands Of the people
where they belong and at the same
time 1t will compel Democrats to
stick together in carrying out sound
policies proposed by the President.
That latter statement may sound
paradoxical. I think it is not. II
make the statement because I know
how many times the gigantic DEM
ocratic majority in congress has
fought over trivialities and because
I know how many times sincere OBJ
position to unsound policies has met
with defeat without the country
knowing the reasons for that oppo-
sition.
Taken all in all, therefore, I be-
heve 1t Is an obligation upon me as
an observer Of national affairs to
declare in favor of movement by
the minority party that will result
in q concentration Of its power for
the good of the nation.
And what. one may ask, should be |
the creed of the minority party next
year?
What of the Greed?
Well, as I see the picture the Re-
publican party must be the conserv-
alive party in the United tSates.
President Roosevelt and his New
Dealers cannot avoid being the rad
lcaI party. I have said this many
times in these columns and it is
more evident now even than when I
reported upon the situation earlier.
The conservatives can and should
have a voice in their government