Evening star., 1948-10-01
Oregon Journal Sees
Truman Defeating Self
By Abusive Campaign
Poper Which Supported
Democrats Many Years
Comes Out for Dewey
Bv David Laurence

supported OenOCIdllC CdAuAudtcS
for the presidency in nearly all
elections during the last 46 years
announces that it will this year
support Gov. Dewey, the reasons
given for such action constitute
significant development.
The Oregon Journal, although
independent in its attitude toward
all parties. has been regarded in
Portland and outside as Demo-
cratic newspaper. Only in .1940,
when it turned to Wendell Willkie,
did the Journal veer from its ad-
herence to the Democratic party in
presidential campaigns. 1t turned
then because it opposed third
term. but it nevertheless supported
the late President Roosevelt in 1914
when the war was on.
1t Is interesting to note that
among other reasons the Oregon
Journal has expressed dissatisfac-
ton with the abusive type Of cam
paign that President Truman has
been waging. Here is what the
Journal said, in part, in its an
nouncement.
"As an independent newspaper,
the Journal has followed the pres
ent presidential campaign with
deep interest and concern and has
determined to support Gov. Dewey
for the presidency. The reasons
are:
I'VE have had a Democratic ad-
ministration for 16 years and, ex-
cept for the recent loss of congress
sional control, the Federal Govern
ment has been in the hands of the
Democrats
Has Lost leadership.
president Truman-pathetically
brave. and sound in his demands
for price reduction and more hous-
ing-in descending to the level of
his Missouri training in campaign
viliflcation, has lost leadership of
the nation.
Gov. Dewey has abstained from
class appeal and yet has tacitly rec
ognized In his appeal for labor
harmony that the American insti-
tutions, law and liberty, could not
continue without the faith and
support Of men who toll with their
hands. Above all, Gov. Dewey holds
a deep responsibility of Americas
New World leadership. Unity at
home he correctly defines as the
way to win the peace, just as unity
was the secret of winning the war.
In Is years, bureaucratic agencies
have multiplied and no bureaucrat
ever willingly leaves the payroll.
Dewey promises spring houseclean-
ing in January. 1t is necessary.
Gov. Dewey cannot alone do all
that he pledges. The support of the
Congress is not only essential but is
candidly the biggest chance he takes
in view of the record of the Eight
leth Congress. He has, however,
more support, less divided, than any,
thing President Truman can COM
mand. If in November the Demo-
Gratis win a Senate majority, his po-
sition would be more difficult.
He has proof of liberalism in
his runnig mate, Gov. Earl Warren
OF California, who Gov. Dewey
promises is to be a full partner in
MS administration. In these grave
times, both at home and abroad.
unity. constructive action, economic
progress, the broadening of liberties
and the blessings of peace are in
Heparably related to the future of
America and, we think, to the sur
Vlval of this civilization. For these
-easons, the journal supports the
candidacy of Gov. Dewey"
Liberalism Unquestioned.
The Oregon Journal is regarded as
cne of the most important news
apers on the Pacific Coast. Its
,beralism is unquestioned. 1t Ger
ainly has championed that cause
consistently.
Inasmuch as Gov. Dewey cam
paigned in oregon in me primaries,
the Journal had an opportunity to
familiarize itself with Gov. Dewey's
way Of handling himself with the
people. More important, however,
has been the Dewey behavior since
he accepted the responsibilities of
a candidate who in all probability
will become the next President. The
American people like to feel that
their candidates for high Office are
not lacking in dignity. The con-
trast between the Dewey and Tru-
man types of campaigning is grow
ing so noticeable as to cause dis
cussion on every side.
Mr.. Truman is defeating himself
with the independent voters. The
oregon Journals stand is sympto-
matte of the attitude of the inde-
pendents who do not consider them
selves partisans in any presidential
election but who find it necessary
to swing their support to the candi-
date who gives the maximum prom
tse Of a respectful as we'll as con-
scientious approach to the problems
Of the day.
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