Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1940-01-26
Wheeler Asks
3d-Term Answer
To Save Party
Disaster Seen
Unless President
Ends the Guessing
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
COLUMBUS, Ohio. January 90
To prevent party disaster. Presi-
dent Roosevelt should declare i'm
mediately his third-term intention,
Senator Wheeler, Democrat, of Mon
tana asserted today
The longer the situation runs,
the more chaotic conditions within
the party become the Montanan
told press conference. 1T can
only lead to disaster if the con-
fusion continues up to the time of
the convention"
At the White House press con-
ference today President Roose-
welt once more turned aside
third-term inquiries, including a
request for comment on John L.
Lewis prediction of "ignominous
defeat" if he became a 1910 can
didate. Mr. Roosevelt asked re-
porters to give one good reason
why he should answer the in
quiry. One reporter suggested
1t would make good copy. We'll,
there's your answer" the Presi-
dent said
Senator Wheeler, who came here
to address the United Mine Work
ers' Convention, only smiled when
asked if he aspired to the presi-
dency Many political observers be-
lieve he will be Endorsed by U. M.
VS. president Lewis
Can Have Nomination.
Senator Wheeler said Mr.. Roose-
welt could have third-term nomi-
nation if he wanted it, adding:
Any President of the United
States can renominate himself if
he wants to. The Federal Govern
ment has too large an organization
and too much patronage for any one
to overcome it. 1t has always been
true that President could renomi-
nate himself and the Government
today is larger than at any time in
history
Senator Wheeler said he would
support President Roosevelt DESPITE
personal opposition to breaking a
term tradition.
However, it is unlikely Mr.. Roose-
welt will seek the nomination, Mr..
Wheeler added.
Sees Vandenberg the Candidate.
Senator Vandenberg of Michigan
was Mr.. Wheelers guess" as the
Republicans likely presidential
nominee. He also said he knew of
no Democrat or Republican presi-
dental aspirant, including Senator
Taft, Republican, of Ohio, who would
not be glad to have Mr.. Lewis sup
port.
Il would be happy to have the
support OF Mr.. Lewis and any one
else interested in preserving democ-
racy in this country" Mr.. Wheeler
continued.
He took exception to Mr.. Lewis
statement Wednesday that the
Democratic party had failed to keep
faith with labor. The Montanan
observed Democrats had done more
for the working man than any other
party. This, he said, was despite the
fact they have not solved the I'M
employment situation and a lot of
other economic questions yet"
Denies He's Dictator.
Before the convention today Mr.
Lewis ridiculed accusations that he
was a dictator. This remark was
prompted when the Appeals and
Grievance Committee reported that
it had no complaints for the con-
vention to referee.
"A most remarkable report" Mr.
Lewis commented. Every one of our
100000 members has the right of ap-
peal to the convention, but only
one complaint was made, and it
was withdrawn after the COM
plainant talked with the committee.
The press reports that the United
Mine Workers has a dictatorship.
Yet here is situation in which no
complaints were filed. Is that
democracy?
The votes of 2,4OO delegates thus
show that peace and tranquility
prevail il the United Mine Workers.
Il commend this report to the
New York Herald-Tribune, the
Chicago Tribune, the Scrlpps- How
ard Newspapers and various other
publications. They are utterly con-
WINGED that the terrible and ruth
less John Lewis was inconsiderate
of the rights of his members"
Communist Flag UnfuTled.
Senator Wheelers appearance
portended more drama for conven-
ton delegates still angry over
the "dastardly trick" of a prank
ster, who unfurled Communist
flag on the stage while Mr.. Lewis
was speaking.
Yesterdays flag incident, while re-
garded as an attempt to embarrass
the u M. w. politically, may have
benefited Mr.. Lewis, his friend
said.
1t provided a perfect setting for
the c. 1. o. leader again to deny
accusations that his organization
is inhabited by Communists.
A Nationwide broadcast was in
progress, commemorating the found
ing of the U. M. w. so years ago Mr..
Lewis was speaking. Suddenly, from
the stage aloft, huge red banner
with hammer and sickle was low
cred above the speakers head.
Startled delegates rose to their
feet and shouted: Tear it down"
The banner was removed while
miners milled about, muttering
angry protests.
Mr.. Lewis, visibly shaken, COM
pleted the broadcast, restored order
and said:
1T appears that someone has
See LEWIS page Al