Evening star., 1939-02-10
Domestic Politics Nav
Impair Foreign Policy
Stresses Need of Presenting
United Front on
World Issues
To the Editor Of The Star:

To the Editor Of The Star:
You and your columnist, Mr.. Vile, are
to be congratulated upon the prompti-
tude with which you expressed your
Endorsement of our recently declared
foreign policy.
The first European reaction following
the Presidents announcement of the
course we would follow in the event of
a war of aggression being initiated over
sea was of the most favorable signi-
f1cance. From that day, when 1t was
plainly indicated that in such an event
we would supply war material to the
power attacked and that our attitude
toward the victim would be more than
merely benevolent neutrality, there
have been no more threats of violent
recapture of Germany's lost colonies nor
renewed demands by Italy upon France
for territorial concessions. Instead, there
have been loud shrieks Of abuse against
the United States. That change of at
titude is most welcome and salutary.
Yet, there is drop of the waters of
Marah in our cup. The President has
announced wise policy which, If in
dorsed by all of his fellow citizens or
even by all Of his party, may avert the
war which. few days ago. seemed in
evitable. 1t now seems that he may be
unable to make the personal sacrifice
necessary to secure that so essential
unanimity.
The recent Judge Roberts incident Is
of rather ghastly import in this crucial
hour. The unWritten law that a pre-
requisite of senatorial confirmation of
judicial appointment is the approval of
the Senators from the State of the ap-
pointee has not very exalted history.
Originally, it was mere spoilsmens
agreement. But thanks to the indiscreet
efforts of our President, We now see that
the rule, regardless of it's genesis, is
calculated to serve a most beneficent
purpose. Without it, in eight unbroken
years of single presidency, our judi
ciary might be built up into a one-man
machine. That catastrophe result is
very unlikely If it must have the sane
ton of Senators from a considerable
number Of States. Under our present
code the judges will owe their duty to
the law rather than to the Executive.
That which should disturb us in the
light of the effect the Anglo-Irish dis
turbances of 1914 had upon Germany
contemplating war, Is that every dis
agreement between Mr.. Roosevelt, as
head of the state, and any of those
men whose official cooperation will be
essential if we are to be unhampered
in foreign relations, is flashed abroad
and carries not only its real weight but
casts portentous shadow which is not
less effective because it is unsubstantial.
That Germany was wrong as to the
character and extent of Irish diSaffec-
ton did not keep the war from bringing
calamity to all the world. We do not
wish to deceive Italy or Germany. Our
aim is peace.
The cards are stacked in favor of the
President. He has made a splendid
start. He has shown that his judgment
in foreign affairs is excellent If it func-
tions naturally. He will have plain
sailing unless he alienates those to whom
ne Should normally look Tor support.
Unfortunately he has shown that his
judgment is exquisitely responsive to the
faintest touch of self-interest involving
his over-weening love of personal power.
1t should be our most earnest prayer
that he may find another William c.
Bullitt to advise him In domestic affairs
and keep him from petty political in
Movements.
To date, Mr.. Herbert Hoover is the
one major casualty in the conflict which
has arisen from our recent transactions
with France. AS an able and honest
critic of the administration, he was rem
dering his country magnificent service.
Now as a trusted counsellor upon public
affairs he has committed hari-kari
HOWARD PITCHER OKIE.
February 8.