DEFLATED BALLOON

The results of the "trial balloon" Literary Digest poll must come as a surprise to the average citizen who has received the impression during the last year that the government would satisfy his merest whim. The fact that industry and agriculture however, have not gained confidence from this policy is probably responsible for the Administration's declining popularity. Should these results be further tested by a nation-wide survey before Election Day?

The Digest is wary of sending out twenty-two million ballots for it feels that the logical results might play an influence in the elections which would be detrimental to the success of the Roosevelt program. There is something to be said for this stand for these accurate polls undoubtedly sway a sizeable fringe of voters who are anxious to get on the band-wagon. If these surveys were carried to extremes, the country might find that the Literary Digest was holding presidential elections.

Since the Digest is holding regular polls, however, there is little reason for not discovering at this time how the country stands. The poll is nonpartisan and as such should carry out its work without this consideration of party. An indication of the public opinion in the country now on the Roosevelt policies gathered in this manner, would be more conclusive than the returns on Election Day, for the disabilities of the Republican Party and the back-sniping of politicians will not play a part. The Digest stands an excellent chance of putting the Roosevelt administration to a fair test which may be invaluable to the country and it should make use of this opportunity.