Evening star., 1940-10-16
WiIlkie Gives Radio Talk
To Americas Droftees

The essential parts OF Mr.. Will
kte's broadcast last night at But
taio NTH Carl Touhey. chairman
OF the First Voters DiuiSion of
the Associated Willkie Clubs, as
released prior to program time,
tollo,D::
MIR. Touhey-Mr. Willkie. in my
hands I have number of letters
asking questions on defense, w. "A,
the third term. and many other
issues facing us today. I'd like to
nave you answer them.
Mr.. Willkie-I'll answer every
question frankly and as plainly as
l can.
Mr.. Touhey-The first question
is from William R. Miller, young
man. He says: Il feel pretty
strongly that we shouldn't permit
! any one man to become too power
full or permit ourselves to be domi-
mated by any one small group. How
ever, in discussions with my friends,
l feel myself unable to express my
instructive dislike of a third term
convinclngly, and would appreciate
1t If you would explain just what
practical difference it would make
to young fellows like myself"
Mr.. Willkie-Well I'm glad that's
from young man, Carl. It's the
young men who should be worrying
about a third term, for they will
live longer than we under the kind
OF future Government that a third
term would make possible.
Argument for Third Term
Also Fits Fourth and Life Terms.
Now the only argument that can
be made openly in favor of a third
term is that the President in Office
has had more experience in the
job than his opponent. This argu-
ment, If it has any validity, would
support fourth or fifth term, and
most of all, life term. Exactly
the same argument can be made
for a life term for every office
holder or for the holder of any
position in business life. If the
argument were accepted. there
would be little opportunity for
young men to advance to become
President Of the United States, or
president of anything else.
The real reason behind the third
term movement, however, is very
different. The members of the Pres
idnrt'S ynn1itina1 fo Il, !,
on and his army of political Office
holders down to the Hague and
Kelly-NaSh machines, find the third
term their only means of staying
in power.
Let me tell you the practical rea-
sons why every one of you should
be against a third term. The tradi-
tion against a third term, started
by Washington and observed by
Jefferson and every other President
up to this year, is compelling
argument. What every other Pres
ident of the United States thought
was in the best interests OF the
country should be given considera-
ton. They recognized the danger
of one-man Government.
For the Office of President Is one
of enormous power. He not only
appoints the heads of the Army and
Navy. all the Federal judges, all the
postmasterS. Through these ap-
pointments he has tremendous in
fluence over all phases of your lives
He is in a position to build a per-
sonal political machine so vast and
so strong that it can perpetuste
itself and fasten upon the country
ruling class. The third-term ira
dition is the only protection which
the people have ever had against
an unlimited usurpation of power
by those who once gain control of
the Government.
Reasons Against Third Term
Apply More Forcefully Today.
Mr.. Touhey-Do the reasons
against a third term apply today,
Mr.. Willkie?
Mr.. WilIkie-Carl, they apply more
forcefully than ever before. Presi-
dent Roosevelt has gathered into
his hands much greater power than
(Continued on Page A-l4)