Braucher Declares Past Record Warrants Eisenhower Reelection

The outstanding record of the Republican administration in maintaining an era of "peace and prosperity" definitely merits its reelection, Robert Braucher, professor of Law, declared last night.

Opposed to Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. '38, professor of History, Braucher opened the second parliamentary debate sponsored by the Political Forum at Emerson D. The topic of the debate was, "Resolved: that the present administration's record warrants Eisenhower's reelection."

Braucher lauded the foreign policy achievements of the administration, including termination of the Korean War, the Austrian Peace Treaty, and a more favorable reaction to disarmament. He attacked hostile Democrats for criticism of administration officials, claiming that the same people who lamented the "fringe GOP assaults on the Democrats were now leading the attack on the Republicans.

On the domestic front, Braucher said, the administration "took off price controls, and gave us the only 3 and 1/2 years of economic stability in my life-time." Furthermore and more important, "the Republican administration has restored dignity and honor to the government."

Schlesinger countered with a charge that the administration has a record of "drift and evasion" and has refused to meet problems. Four more years of such drifting might be disasterous, he added.

"The Republican administration has permitted a shift in the military balance of power from the United States to Russia. Our capacity to deliver through the air has been relatively reduced," he said.

"A government made up of tired businessmen is not one to fan the flames of freedom and revolution in the world," he concluded.