Evening star., 1940-07-19
The teri Of President Roose-
pelts radio address early today
to the Democratic National
Conpentt0n:


my friends:
It is with q very full heart that
I speak tonight. I must confess
that I do so with mixed feelings
because I find myself, as Al
most every one does sooner or
later In his lifetime. In a con-
flict between deep personal de-
sire for retirement on the one
hand, and that quiet, invisible
thing called conscience" on the
other.
Because there are self-ap-
pointed commentators and in
terpreters who will seek to mis-
interpret or question motives, I
speak in q somewhat personal
vein; and I must trust to the
good faith and common sense of
the American people to accept
my own good faith-and do their
own interpreting.
When, in 1896, I was chosen
by the voters for a second time
as President, it was my firm in
tention to turn over the RESPONSE
bilities of government to other
hands at the end of my term.
That conviction remained with
me. Eight years in the presi-
dency, following a period of bleak
depression, and covering one
world crisis after another, would
normally entitle any man to the
relaxation which comes from
honorable retirement.
Intention Remained
After War Broke Out.
During the spring Of 1889
world events made 1t clear to all
but the blind or the partisan
that a great war in Europe had
become not merely a possibility
but a probability, and that such
q war would of necessity deeply
affect the future of this Nation.
When the conflict first broke
our last September, it was still
my intention to announce clearly
and simply, at an early date,
that under no conditions would
I accept reelection. This fact
was we'll known to my friends,
and I think was understood by
many citizens.
It soon became evident, how
ever, that such a public state
ment on my part would be un-
wise from the point of view OF
sheer public interest. As Presi-
dent of the United States, it was
my duty, with the aid Of Con-
gress, to preserve our neutrality,
to shape our program Of defense
to meet rapid changes, to keep
our domestic affairs adjusted to
shifting world conditions, and
to sustain the policy of the good
neighbor.
It was also my obvious duty to
maintain to the utmost the in
fiuence of this mighty nation IN
our effort to prevent the spread
of war, and to sustain by all
legal means those governments
threatened by other governments
which had rejected the principles
of democracy.
Swiftly moving foreign events
made necessary swift action at
home and beyond the seas.
Plans for national defense had
to be expanded and adjusted 70
meet new forms of warfare.
American citizens and their well
fare had to be safeguarded in
many foreign zones of danger.
National. unity In the United
States became a crying essential
in the face of the development Of
unbelievable types of espionage
and international treachery.
Every day that passed called
for the postponement of per-
sonal plans and partisan debate
until the latest possible moment.
The normal conditions under
which I would have made public
declaration of my personal de-
sires were gone.
Decision Awaited
National Convention.
Thinking solely of the national
good and of the international
scene, I came to the reluctant
conclusion that such declaration
should not be made before the
national convention. It was ac-
cordingly made to you within an
hour after the permanent organi-
zation of the convention.
Like any other man, I am COM
plimented by the honor you have
done me. But I know you will
understand the spirit in which I
say that no call of party alone
would prevail upon me to accept
reelection to the presidency.
The real decision to be made in
these circumstances is not the
acceptance Of a nomination, but
rather an ultimate willingness to
serve if chosen by the electorate.
Many considerations enter into
this decision.
During the past few months,
with due congressional approval,
we have been taking steps to i'm
plement the total defense Of
America. I cannot forget that
in carrying out this program I
have drafted into the service Of
the Nation many men and
women, taking them away from
important private occupations,
calling them suddenly from
their homes and their businesses.
I have asked them to leave their
own work, and to contribute their
skill and experience to the cause
Of their Nation.
All but One Answers
Presidents Call.
I, as the head of their Gov
ernment, have asked them to do
this. Regardless of party, re-
gardless of personal convenience.
they came-they answered the
call. Every single one Of them,
with one exception, has come to
Washington to serve.
These people, who have placed
patriotism above all else, repre-
sent those who have made their