Evening star., 1951-09-06
The Political Mill
Truman for President
Drive Aided by Speech
Democratic Leaders in Rush
To Get on Bond Wagon
The Political Mill
By Gould Lincoln

President Truman's speech to large
group Of Democratic leaders in San
Francisco, few hours before he ad.
dressed the Japanese peace treaty con.
ference, gave new impetus to the "Tru-
man for President in 1852" movement.
In fact, the President has done nothing
to discourage the idea that he will run
again. Leader. after leader has come
smiling out OF the White House to an
nounce to the press and the country
that he has urged Mr.. Truman to be a
candidate and offered his support. Some
have told the President they intend put
ting hjs name in the presidential prefer
ential primaries next year-and never a
word has come. from him, throwing cold
water on the proposals.
The President in his San Francisco
speech delivered rip-snorting attack
on his enemies and the opponents of his
Fair Deal. civil rights program. 1t was
clear indication what line his campaign
will take. if he runs. 1t was also his
idea Of the issues which any Democratic
nominee for President next year would
raise against the Republican opposition.
And before closing he cannily remarked
that he didn't know who the candidates
OF the Democratic Party would be-" He
was not willing to declare his candidacy.
Roosevelt Just as Canny.
HIS predecessor, the late President
FRANKLIN D. Roosevelt, before he sought
a thlrd term in the White House. was
just as canny and cloSe-mouthed as Mr..
truman has been so far. In fact, Roose-
velt Kept his party leaders guessing al
most 10 the time of the opening of the
doubtful that Mr.. Truman. however
either could or would do this The de.
mano Tor light in the matter will become
700 Strong. with the passing months.
And If the President persists in his
silence. his silence will be interpreted as
giving consent to those active in pro-
motlng his denomination In 1948. Mr..
truman made no bones about the fact
ne would seek his party's nomination.
In those days, however, there were manv
Democrats all over the country who
were strongly against his nomination.
1ney inquired he was unpopular and
would have no chance of victory. ONLY
the 1act they could not find an accent
apAe cand1date-a Gen. Eisenhower. for
example-to run against him prevented
an antl-Truman uprising in the national
convention. -
Rush to Band Wagon.
!ooay the atmosphere is very differ
enI. Oue 10 the Truman victory in l948
and to the fact they do not believe he
could be defeated for denomination
leader after leader has leaped aboard the
truman band wagon. Further, some of
the leaders say that they now believe
tnat Mr.. Truman wants another term
IN the White House; that his attitude
has shifted markedly from what it was
last winter. Then he was under
great strain and heavy attack. Since
That time he has fired Gen. Macarthur
and he believes that has strengthened
rather than weakened him. Also the
military situation in Korea progressed
well. He is counting on time to dim the
Dlte OF the mink coat, the RFC political
loans, and the charges that Democratic
politicians have been mixed up with the
underworld. In fact, he is ready to 90.
.@ Mr.. Truman has set himself one great
task-to promote and bring about peace
in the world. 1t started with his whole
hearted sponsoring of the United Ma
lions. back in 1945. After years of prep
aratlon, peace treaty is about to be
made with Japan. If the war in Korea
is honorably settled, another big step
Will have been made and the United
Nations will again be on the up and up.
With such accomplishments, the Tru-
man stock would be stronger. If, on the
other hand. the war in Korea is con-
tinued, Mr.. Truman will find it neces-
sary that he be chosen President to con-
tinue his fight for peace in the world.