Evening star., 1939-09-10

BY MarQn,
IF a European war breaks out then
the President is reelected beyond any
doubt"
That is the statement one Of the
Presidents closest advisers made some
months before the recent events that
shook the world and shattered the IL
fusion Of peace. This New Dealer was
appraising the possibilities for third
term for President Roosevelt, third
term which he and others close to the
White House ardently desire. But as
he said it there was one certainty-f
war comes a third term is inevitable.
Now, from day to day, war is in the
headlines. In Europe 1t is a grim re-
ality. On this side of the Atlantic 1t
is a fearful threat. And therefore, II
the New Dealers reasoning is correct,
the President should be assured Of an
other four years in the White House
beginning in January OF 1941.
G. o. p. Strategy Wrecked.
The Republicans, as would be ex-
pected, say no. They are not ready
yet to admit that the outcome OF next
years elections is foregone conclusion.
They do concede, however, that the out
break of the war has knocked their
strategy into a cooked hat.
One thing and one thing only is Ger
tain-the politics of few days ago is
as outmoded as year-old joke. Numer-
Gus voices will be raised in protest, as
they have already been raised, but never
theless American attention will center
on the conflict in Europe. And cor
respondingly interest in domestic issues
and problems will dwindle.
Out OF this increasing concentration
on the turmoil across the Atlantic may
come that national unity the Presi-
dent asked for in his broadcast, What
he asked, in effect, was unity for his
leadership AS several observers have
pointed out, there was no recognition
in his brief talk Of the fact that, If a
fundamental American tradition holds,
Roosevelt will be out of Office within
16 months In its calm, firm tone, its
broad acceptance of the responsibilities
and duties of leadership in time CT
crisis, the Presidents speech the other
night could be compared with his first
inaugural address when he reassured a
nation stricken by the direst depres-
sion.
But while unity may follow. there is
also the possibility of bitter conflict
over American policy. And it is Presi-
dent Roosevelt who must make the over
whelmingly important decisions that de-
termine policy.
Republican Watchful Waiting.
The Republicans are very we'll aware
of the importance of the decisions the
Chief Executive must make. Just now
they are engaged in a bit Of watchful
waiting. They do not want to appear
unpatriotic by going counter to his unity
appeal. But at the first display Of parti-
sanship in his handling of the crisis they
are prepared to make an issue over the
Presidents wartime policies. And every
one who knows American politics would
give odds that before many months have
gone by the war will be political issue.
Just how that issue will be shaped no
one can predict. It may come over
steps to be taken for the preservation Of
American neutrality. Isolationists, highly
suspicious of the Roosevelt foreign policy,
will be on the lookout for any breach
of strict neutrality.
The problems which the President
faces If the country is to stay out of war
are as formidable as any that he has
encountered in his entire career. Things
are happening with incredible swiftness
The parallel with the crisis which con-
fronted Woodrow Wilson on the out
break Of the first World War is striking
But this time, Is years later, the tempo
has been enormously speeded up. There
is nightmarish quality to the pace at
which events are marching.
One of Wilson's chief difficulties was
with those who stood to make a profit
out of trading with the allied powers
They put tremendous pressure on the
White House. But Wilson's war boom did
not begin until many months after the
outbreak of war.
On the first full day Of stock market
operation following the outbreak of war
on September war boom began
Stocks and commodities skyrocketed
Gains up to SIS were recorded by COM
modify stocks. Such frenzy Of activity
had not been seen on the market in
nearly two years. And it was all because
of the outbreak of war 5000 miles away
The President has declared for strict
neutrality which will limit the possibil-
tiles Of profit from the war. Those who
stand to profit will inevitably bring
pressure for a changed policy.
There is problem for the President
in the war minded members Of his cwn
administration. It would hardly be an
exaggeration to say that the majority
are opposed to the present prohibition
on shipment of arms and munitions to
any Of the belligerents. Many favor the
cash-and-carry amendment to the Neu-
trality Act which, theoretically, would
permit all nations to buy whatever air
planes or implements Of war they can
pay for and carry home In their own
ships. Actually, Of course, 1t would
mean that only Britain and France coulc