Evening star., 1946-08-28

ing full control of the Government
In 1948. In particular this would
seem true in New York State. What
happens there in an off-year elec-
ton is always nationally important
significant of the trend of the vot-
ers in the presidential election to
follow.
Lehman Strong.
Few persons interested in politics
need to be told these automatic po-
litical facts, which is why there is
SO much general concern as to the
nominees of the Republican party
in New York this fall. Already a
group of outstanding independent
Republicans has urged on the party
managers-and with considerable ef-
fect-the Importance of improving
the quality of the party candidates
for the House in the various New
York districts. But, even more i'm
portant, it would seem, is the cali
ber and quality of the man the Re-
publicans nominate for the United
States Senate against former Gov.
Herbert Lehman. scheduled as the
Democratic candidate. 1t is pretty
widely recognized that Mr.. Lehman
cannot be beaten by the ordinary
Republican candidate with nothing
beyond a party appeal.
That is why there has been such
keen interest in the prospect that
Mai. Gen. william j. Donovan may
be the Republican nominee. Gen
Donovan Is easily the strongest and
best available Republican in the
State for this job. He would be the
surest winner. He would make the
best Senator. 1t is not only his
brilliant record in the First World
War, in which he was the only SOL
dier in the American Army to win
the three top medals, that COM
mends him for this place. Nor is
1t his remarkable achievement In
World War II, when as head OF the
Ofice of Strategic Services he, for
the. first time, organized and oper-
ated for the United States a really
effective military intelligence ano
spy system.
DISTINGUISHED Lawyer.
There is, of course, a great deal
more to Gen. Donovan than the
glamor of a superbly brave soldier
in the First War and the able and
effective director Of an indispen-
sable branch of our armed forces In
the Second. In addition, he is ar
able lawyer with a distinguished
record as Assistant Attorney Gen.
eral; a man equipped with first
hand knowledge of the world, to
leadership in which we now aspire;
a high minded, enlightened citizen
sound and experienced in the fields
of politics and public affairs.
In fact, it is difficult to think OF 8
better qualified man for the Senate
than he-certainly none has beer
mentioned so far. And it is difficult
to believe members of the Republi'
can organization in New York coule
be so benighted as to ignore the
opportunity of commencing theil
party to the country and enhancing
their chances of success by passinl
by the opportunity Of nominating
such a candidate.
The other day the New Yorl
American Federation of Labor CAM
out in blast against Gen. Donovan
as an enemy of labor" which, o
course, is absurd. Accompanying
this silly charge was demand OF
Gov. Dewey and the Republican
party to abandon the idea of NAMING
him. This does not represent th'
rank and file of the AFL in New
York, many of whom are persona
friends of Gen. Donovan. 1t repre-
sents a few leaders who seem ben
on making fools of themselves.
Cowardice to Yield.
It is now said that Gen. Donovan
has been eliminated as result o
the labor attack. If this is true j
will be most unpleasant demon
stration Of the Republican leader
ships cowardice-regardless Of tn
merits of Gen. Hugh Drum, VIII
seems slated for the nomination
The insolence of the labor deman'
ought to have insured Gen. Dono
vans nomination. Neither the Re
publican party nor Gov. Dewey ca
afford to permit the AFL or an
labor faction or business organiza
ton or other special interest grou
to dictate to them what they shal
and shall not do. Under such con
ditions as these, to yield would STAN
the party and its leaders as utterl
craven and completely unworthy c
confidence.
It has been 26 years now sine