Year ago when Franklin Roosevelt went before Congress to describe the State of the Union he delivered a message that was far less a communication than a challenge. It denounced "entrenched greed." "unscrupulous money changers," "discredited special interests," "political puppets of an economic autocracy." those who '" 'gang up' against the people's liberties." It was called the first gun of the campaign of 1936.
Last week Franklin Roosevelt again described the State of the Union to Congress, but in entirely different terms. Not one opprobrious epithet did he hurl, not one ringing denunciation. His words were of reason and goodwill, his attitude of sweetness and light. This year's message might fitly have been described as the closing gun of the campaign of 1936.
There was no need to denounce an opposition annihilated on Nov. 3, and the way was quietly prepared for mopping up that one opponent which election had not quelled.
Through cheering crowds Victor Roosevelt drove to the Capitol to start his mopping up. At the side door of the House wing, he shed his silk topper, his dark overcoat and revealed himself in his new uniform, a handsome ash-grey cutaway with trousers to match. The White House secretariat—Son James, Stephen Early, Marvin Mclntyre—racked their toppers in a row on the trunk behind the Presidential tonneau. and the official party entered the Capitol.
For the past half-hour, in the presence of the House and Senate assembled, Vice President Garner had been opening, Senators George and Austin. Representatives Tinkham and Fletcher counting, the vote of the Electoral College. State by State the landslide vote piled up. At the end the Vice President did not bother to announce the awesome total of 523 to 8.
When Franklin Roosevelt entered on his son's arm the crowded chamber rose and applauded not only the President of the U. S. but a conquering hero.
As the applause subsided, he took a firm grip on the sides of the lectern and began: "For the first time in our national history a President delivers his annual message to a new Congress within a fortnight of the expiration of his term of office. While there is no change in the Presidency this year, change will occur in future years.