New Force?

Through 1940's Presidential campaign, one big question rode along with the question of who would win. It was this: What would happen to the political amateurs after the election was over? Last week the question was still unanswered, but signs were piling up that the Republican amateurs, sadder now but wiser too, would keep going:

>Professional Joe Martin, back in Washington, bronzed from the Nassau sun, repeated his determination to resign in the spring as chairman of the Republican National Committee. Said he of an amateur: "Mr. Willkie would make a splendid chairman and I think the Republican Party would be delighted to have him, but whether it would fit into his plans I do not know."

>In a five-hour session in Manhattan, 150 representatives of Willkie Clubs decided to keep their national organization, under another name. Suggested title: Independent Clubs. Purposes: 1) "To encourage the exercise of good citizenship by taking part in local political affairs." 2) "To promote a better understanding of current political questions. . . ."3) "To encourage competent men and women . . . to seek public office through the machinery of our two-party system." Said Original Willkie Booster Oren Root: "Our position is the same [as before the election] in that there are certain fundamental principles of government and of life in which we believe just as much today as we did two months ago. ..."

>Wendell Willkie flew from Hobe Sound, Fla. for a Manhattan conference, attended the Gridiron Club dinner in Washington, where he delivered the principal off-the-record address to an enthusiastic audience, returned to Manhattan to say his say to the ex-Willkie Club members: "I have a tremendous interest in principles and in that endeavor I hope to carry on. ... One of the difficulties in American public life has been its failure to call its ablest and best men in public service. ... I hope that as a result of the Willkie Club movement you will develop men and women to serve. ... I hope that in five or ten years or even in two years I will see many of you running for Congress, the Senate, Governorships and offices in your own communities. . . ."

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