Fourth Term

The Republican party and Democratic friends have now been waging the 1944 campaign for several months. Twelve months ahead of the usual schedule, the opposition is calling for new leadership. But rather than presenting the country with any leaders of its own, the entire effort is concentrated on blocking the existing directors of the country's war effort. The issue is nothing so substantial as criticism of the past record but instead great political principles manufactured to fit the situation of the moment.

The drive to pass a constitutional amendment limiting a President to two terms has already gained considerable momentum. In Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana state legislatures have passed resolutions asking for Congressional action; two Republican senators have introduced such a bill and have been joined by their North Carolina colleague Senator Bailey, a prominent anti-New Dealer.

The political implications of these moves are painfully obvious. Reticent about meeting Roosevelt in a fourth campaign, the G.O.P. is deliberately laying a smoke screen to prevent the country from choosing the most able leadership by such clear cut issues as past performance and future promise. Still applicable in the strain of war are Washington's words of 1788 that "I can see no propriety in precluding ourselves from the services of any man, who on some great emergency shall be deemed universally capable of serving the public."

There is no use denying that 16 years is a long time, and that the historical effect of such an administration would be impossible. But the political continuity of such a period with its changing congresses would probably be not much closer than similar eras when one well integrated party ruled though led by several men.

The Roosevelt record especially as a war leader has been good. He continues to be the Allies' No. 1 man. As the critical moments of the war approach, direction must be of the highest caliber available. To repudiate a fourth term at this time would be to invalidate all American international commitments between now and January 1945.

Since Teddy Roosevelt the Republicans have been under the stigma of being the party of yesterday. Until they can present bolder and less negative plans in this time of crisis they will not contribute much to the prosecution of this war. If America is to proceed under the best leadership to be found, the people must not be forced to decide the next election on political prejudice. To allow them to make a reasonable choice they must have the pick of at least two men of sufficient acumen and stature, during a term that will probably find America fighting in war and peace.