Evening star., 1950-07-15
The Political Mil 18Th
9. O. P. Lawmakers Tell
Of Ponicky Letters
Many in Notion Are Critical
Of Action Tuken in Koreu
The Political Mil
By Gould Lincoln

BY Gould Lincoln
Republican Senators and Representa-
tives say their mail Is filled with letters
from constituents asking for light on the
war IN Korea and where the war may
lead. Many are panicky. Many are criti-
cal and angry.
The only party attitude of the Repub-
licans in Congress-so far-is to do all it
can to help President Truman win the
war. Beyond that, the Republicans are
not willing to go. They will do their best
to beat the Democrats in the coming con-
gressional elections and thereby pave the
way to getting Mr.. Truman out Of the
White House in 1852. At meeting of
Republican Senators up for reelection,
recently held with considerable secrecy,
there was firm determination expressed
TO tell the people the mistakes Of the adj
minlstration, leading up to the Commu-
mist attack on South Korea. They made
1t clear they would campaign on the issue
that the Truman administration has had
and will have no ability to bring about
real peace; that it has fumbled the ball
constantly.
SaltonstalI States Issue.
Senator Saltonstall Of Massachusetts,
Republican, a veteran Of the First World
War who lost son in action in the
second, epitomized the attitude of the
Republicans in Congress in talk to the
Republican Club of Massachusetts,. "In
World War I and again in World War
IT," said Senator Saltonstall, I'VE Re-
publicans heard too many times the
expression, Don't change horses in
midstream.' Fellow Republicans Of
Massachusetts-in the coming election
this autumn regardless of the problems
that face our National Government, to-
day there is no changing of horses in
midstream that will not be of benefit to
our State and to our Country. 4r
"We have seen the present administra-
ton make many mistakes in its conduct
of international problems and in the
carrying out of our national affairs. That
is our principal issue in this years elec-
tion."
The Massachusetts, Senator is recog-
nized as thoughtful, patriotic citizen
and public servant. He speaks only when
he has given subject consideration. He
and the rest of the Republicans intend
to tell the country it would be better of
with the Truman administration out Of
Office, war or no war.
As of today, three weeks after the
Communist attack on South Korea, the
Republicans believe that the political
advantage lies with them-because Of
the criticism of the administration
criticism not Of the firm stand taken by
the President but criticism Of wishy-
washy wobbling. or definite playing into
hands of the Reds which went on In adj
vance Of the Korean attack. They admit
that some Of the criticism may slacken
when American armed forces throw the
Communists back-as they are confident
Americans will. But they do not believe
that the administration can ride to VIC
tory at the polls on its record.
Cold to KnOwIand Plan.
The proposal made some days ago by
Senator Knowland of California that
Republicans should have a place in the
= Truman Cabinet left his colleagues ex-
lgtremely cold, especially at this stage.
Should the war broaden into q world
conflict. with this Nation in grave dan
ger, any Republican would serve. any.
where, they say. Appointment of Re-
publicanS to the Cabinet now, however,
and their acceptance, would be regarded
only as an effort to tie up the Republi-
cans with responsibility for the present
situation-a situation due to Democratic
blunders.
Also, to what posts in the Cabinet
might Republicans be appointed? Secre-
tary of State, Secretary of Defense? For
Mr.. Truman to oust Secretary of State
Acheson. would be an admission that
MIR. Acheson has been wrong-as the
Republicans have charged. For him to
get rid of Secretary of Defense John
son would imply terrific dissatisfaction
with the man who has had charge Of
national defense and the armed forces.
In administration circles the proposal
to place Republicans in the Cabinet is
said not to have been given serious con-
sideration by Mr.. Truman, notwithstand-
ing the fact the late President Roose-
velt appointed Henry L. Stimson and
Frank Knox, both Republicans, to I'LL
the posts of Secretary of War and Sec
retary Of the Navy in 1910, when the
war clouds were gathering.
Some of the Republicans insist that
President Truman, either in an appear
ance before Congress or in a radio speech
to the Nation, should tell the people
about the present war and advise them.
But they do not expect him to do so
until there is better news to report.