Arkansas State Press

Our New President - Now What?

By Julius J. Adams

The people have spoken and we now have a new president-elect. The task which General Eisenhower advocated for the American people in attempting to unite the nation-north and south- is one our future citizens will appreciate much more than those of us who watched him and listened to him in the recent campaign could ever do. That task. begun by Abraham Lincoln, ultimately must be completed if this country is ever to achieve its destiny as the truly great Democratic nation of the world. General Eisenhower suffered vicious attacks and smears because he dared to campaign in the southland. He was rebuked and branded because he was photographed talking to Governor James F. Byrnes of South Carolina. It appears to have been forgotten, at least for the moment, that South Carolina is a member of the states of the Union and that it cannot be isolated any more than can the state of New York be isolated. If ever the south is to become a more enlightened community and the political leaders and others who help mold public opinion are to lend their support and prestige to the fight for greater equality for all people, the leadership to accomplish this must come from the White House. Unfortunately, neither of our most recent Democratic presidents tried to change the attitude of the southerners through cooperation and education as well as law. It has been discovered in all walks of life that sound leadership can accomplish far more in the way of bringing divergent forces together than the improperly used "big stick." General Eisenhower. whose experience in getting people of different beliefs. races and nationalities to work together harmoniously, to accept his leadership and to submerge their personal views in the interest of the greater cause, is thus established as one of the great leaders of the modern world. He must continue the task he has thus far advanced. The outcome of the election is just a milestone. It has not solved the problem. The new president, if he is to serve the American people; if he is to be faithful to the pledges and promises he made to the voters of this country, has no choice but to push forward. not by seeking to penalize any section of the country, or by isolating any group or segment, but by becoming a real national leader of North and South. Only in this way shall we-the American people be able to build the kind of nation we owe our children .. . the kind of nation Lincoln, Dewey and Eisenhower envisioned in their campaigns for unity of the people of America.