Evening star., 1940-07-17

O.-DENlOCnh1S DEI
convention floor last night as Z
portant, by the great masses of the
American people. I believe the
American people will re-elect him
overwhelmingly in November. These
are no times for petty political con-
siderations. The American people
know this. They trust him and
they want him."
Secretary of Agriculture Wallace
also took the view that the draft
is inevitable. He said: There is
only one thing for the delegates to
do. National security and national
defense come first. The President
and only the President, has the ex-
perience to pilot this Nation safely
through the troubulous times ahead
AS an Iowa delegate I have no ques-
ton as to how the Iowa delegates
and other delegates pledged to Mr..
Roosevelt will vote"
Wheeler Won't Comment.
Senator Wheeler of Montana
would make no immediate comment.
Federal Security Administrator
McNutt, another presidential hope
full, authorized word that he favors
denomination of Mr.. Roosevelt. He
added a prediction that this will
take place.
Senator Maloney of Connecticut
announced that the Connecticut
delegation, instructed to vote for Mr..
Roosevelt, will carry out its orders.
Senator Minton of Indiana dis
missed speculation by the curt COM
ment, THE convention will do what
it came here to do-make him run -
The statement made by Senator
Barkley on behalf of the President
came after the Kentucky Senator
had completed his address as per-
manent chairman of the conven-
ton.
No Conditions Mentioned.
In some quarters it has been pre-
dicted that the President would lay
down condition or conditions under
which he might accept a nomina-
ton. The message as delivered by
Senator Barkley mentioned no con-
ditionS whatever. It was couched
in the following terms by Senator
Barkley:
Il and other close friends of the
President have long known that he
has no wish to be a candidate again.
We know, too, that in no way what
soever has he eXerted any influ-
ence in the selection of delegates,
or upon the opinions Of, delegates
to this convention.
Tonight at the specific request
and authorization of the President
I am making this simple fact clear
to this convention.
''The President has never had
and has not today, any desire OF
purpose to continue in the Office Of
President, to be candidate for that
office. or to be nominated by the
convention for that Office.
He wishes in all earnestness and
sincerity to make it clear that all OF
the delegates to this convention are
free to vote for any candidate.
THAT is the message ! bear to YOU
from the President of the United
States"
Demonstration Follows.
No sooner had Senator Barkley
delivered the message, which was
listened to in tense silence by the
huge throng which packed the con-
vention hall, probably nearly 19,00(
all told, then the band began tC
play and the third termers, seizine
the State standards, started a pa
rade around the hall. Gradually
some of the marchers began te
chant 1--WE want Roosevelt" 1--WE
want Roosevelt" as they passed the
speakers stand and paraded arounc
the aisles. They made little sound
however, and Maury Maverick q
Texas seized a floor microphone ane
beloved into it, I'VE want Roose.
velt."
That went better. Over the loue
speaker came thereafter for minut,
after minute shouts that "The worlt
wants Roosevelt" California want.
Roosevelt New York want.
Roosevelt" and so on through tn
entire list of States, with variations
AS these shouts came up to hin
from the floor of the convention
Chairman Barkley leaned forward
and beloved: "It's all right BY
me-"
Wag Brings . Laugh.
Then a wag gained the micro.
phone and said:
"Willkie wants Roosevelt" which
brought burst of laughter from
the audience This was followed BY
a declaration, ''Tammany want,
Roosevelt"
Still another shouted "Virginis
wants Roosevelt" and the pipinf
voice of a Georgia woman cam,
through with the declaration tina
Georgia wants Roosevelt"
Finally q Virginian shouted
over the loud speaker, "vir