OCR Text |
Show I- NEWS BEHIND THE NEWS I Written for Tha Telegram By Ray Tucker 1 mats who torpedoed the celebrated cele-brated Lima conference only 12 months ago, preventing the conclave con-clave from accomplishing anything any-thing worthwhile beyond a statement state-ment of pan American platitudes. When the western republics assembled as-sembled to discuss punitive action ac-tion after the Anglo-German naval battle off the coast of Uruguay, the Argentinian representatives repre-sentatives proposed that the neutrality neu-trality patrol use force against the warships of any nation which violated the zone. It was apparently ap-parently a British suggestion designed de-signed to Involve the United States in the conflict, for Uncle Sam would have had to do the actual enforcing. The Idea was summarily rejected by our state department. Although nobody believes that personal or party politics influenced influ-enced Mr. Hull In proclaiming the breaking off of negotiations, It was a smart stroke for him and for his reciprocal trade agreement law. So was his announcement an-nouncement that no concessions will be given Chilean copper In any pact negotiated with that country. Both moves may soften the spirit of hostility against the Hull tariff policies prevalent among delegations from the mineral-producing and cattle-raising cattle-raising west. Copyright, McClute Syndicate WASHINGTON All political roads at Washington lead to the homely office of John Nance Garner since he reopened his "bureau of education" on Capitol hill. Four presidential candidates, candi-dates, including Postmaster General Gen-eral Farley and Senator Burton K. Wheeler, huddled with the leading Democratic presidential prospect within the last few days. While keeping his own counsel, the V. P. has given the definite impression that he believes President Presi-dent Roosevelt wants to be drafted draft-ed for a third term. A great believer be-liever in the two-term tradition, Mr. Garner is determined to prevent pre-vent F. D. R.'s renomination, as he virtually warned when he declared de-clared himself in the race with- , out the usual "ends, Ifs and buts." The Texan has also Indicated that, If necessary to accomplish this aim, he will throw his strength to any likely winner-except winner-except Mr. Roosevelt as he tossed his California-Texas batch of delegates to the president In 1932. Therefore he has encouraged Senator Wheeler and National Chairman Farley to enter the race openly, without waiting for word from the White House on the president's 1940 Intentions. Mr. Garner regards the men from Montana and New York as helpmates rather than rivals. But so far. principally because they don't care to antagonize the popular Mr. Roosevelt, they have resisted the V. P.'s urgings. Although admittedly a fine force for decent and honest gov-Mmnt gov-Mmnt UarnlH I . Irkes exem- He Is a living example of the ' reason why so many "reform" movements fail, as his always did during his years of crusading for clean government in Chicago. Mr. Ickes, for instance, is looking look-ing for a man to handle the Job of director o( territories and Insular In-sular possessions, a most important impor-tant position In view of the upset up-set world situation. He got rid of the original director, Ernest L. Gruening, because they could not get along together. Now nobody will accept the Ickes offer of-fer because of their unwillingness to work under or with him. He has received "No, thank you's" from former Undersecretary of the Treasury Wayne Chat field-Taylor; field-Taylor; Wayne Coy, Paul Mc-Nutt's Mc-Nutt's man-of-all-work; Attorney Attor-ney General Malcolm of Puerto Rico, and Admiral Yarnell, who commanded our Asiatic naval forces until his retirement recently. re-cently. Although 65 years old Mr. Ickes Is a forceful, virile figure; he became a father only a few months ago. When and If President Presi-dent Roosevelt quits the White House, he would like to continue in public life as an elected or appointed official. But the voters would not appreciate his likable, rugged qualities, and no future president except F. D. R. Democratic Dem-ocratic or Republican would keep him around. So he will probably return to his dusty and diminutive law office towering above LaSalle street in Chicago and brood over the sins and the callousness of the American people. That was how he spent hla Hava until F TV R a-avf, him ptrfies the old truth that an Individual's In-dividual's personality often nullifies nulli-fies the highest Ideas and Ideals. a chance to take the stage as a reform tragedian. In breaking the tradition of secrecy which has surrounded negotiation of trade agreements by publicizing the inside row with Argentina, Cordell Hull served Indirect notice on Great Britain that the United States does not appreciate the empire's Interference Interfer-ence In the western hemisphere's economic affairs. British Influence Influ-ence Is understood to have motivated moti-vated the Argentinians' rather checkered role in the last year, with Uruguay assisting. It was the Argentine diplo- |