Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-08-27
The Political Mill
Senote Passage Of Draft May Permit Roosevelt
To Voice Views on Sale of Destroyers to British

transports. It is incredible, there
fore, that less than 10 per cent Of
that number can now care for the
needs of British defense against the
German submarine and air attack
1t may be that the administration
is waiting until after the passage
of the military training bill before
1t announces its position on the
proposed sale of destroyers. To
launch the proposal now might
complicate the fight for the passage
of the training bill, which is vitality
needed If this country is to have the
men needed for its defense. But
that does not mean the desirability
of the transfer Of these destroyers
to the British is not of great i'm
portance. Almost since the begin
ming of the war in Europe this
country has been selling to the
British airplanes with which to
fight the Germans and all kinds Of
munitions desired. That being the
case, 1t seems rather futile to OBJ
ject to the sale OF these destroyerS,
on the ground 1t would be a war
like act.
Unless all signs fail, the military
training bill will be passed by the
Senate this week by a considerable
margin and will be on its way
through the House. 1t is essential,
therefore, that consideration be
given without loss of time to the
proposed sale of the destroyers.
Wendell l.. Willkie, in his speech
accepting the Republican nomina-
ton, declared himself in favor of
material aid to the British, which
presumably includes the transfer
Of destroyers. II is not believed he
will oppose such action by the Gov
eminent. If President Roosevelt
and his opponent in the presidential
race are as one on this matter
so much the better.
Substitute Debates Suggested.
Democratic opponents of Mr..
Wlllkie are suggesting all kinds Of
debates for the G. o. P. candidate
except with his real opponent, Presi-
dent Roosevelt. Paul V. McNutt,
former Governor of Indiana. has
rushed into the breach and offered
himself as a debater against the
Republican nominee Other Demo-
Gratis have suggested that Mr.. Will
kie debate the issues Of the day with
Herbert Hoover, former Republican
President, and with Senator Nc
Nary of oregon, Mr.. Wilkes own
running mate. on the theory that
Mr.. Willkie does not agree with
those outstanding Republicans. All
this is particularly childish. Mr..
Willkie is the opponent of President
Roosevelt-and of President Roose-
welt alone-in this campaign. He
has proposed joint debates with
the President and Mr.. Roosevelt has
declined to accept the challenge
Mr.. Roosevelt may have good rea-
sons for his declination-but they
have not been advanced.
The President has found. and IS
finding, opportunity to leave Wash
ington to deliver addresses, despite
his official duties and despite de-
mands made on his time for adequate
national defense. He might be able
to tuck in few days in which to
meet the Republican nominee face
to face and let the people decide
between the two.
Democratic Schism Deepens.
The schism in the Democratic
party is growing deeper and deep
er, instead of tapering off. if the
signs are to be believed. Mr.. Will
kie is gaining ground among the
voters in the metropolitan areas as
we'll as in the rural section of the
country. Lifelong Democrats have
turned against the third-term cam
didate. An Iowa Democrat, for ex-
ample, born and raised in the
South" wires, Frankly, at this
time we are all like the Cleveland
Plain Dealer-we supported Roose-
welt eight years ago with boundleSS
enthusiasm. Four years ago we
voted for him again, but with some
misgivings. Now be believe, as Wen
dell L. Willkie, that real democracy
can only be found in the Republican
party. Hence we are for him with
our whole heart. For seven or more
generations, my people have helped
build this country. Down South
towns are named after them. We
have struggled to build schools,
churches, civic works of every kind
1t has been terrific struggle,
through many generations, to help
- A. "a mn an