THE PRESIDENCY: Non-Partisan Drought

Two years ago this month Franklin Roosevelt, bronzed and beaming after cruising on the U. S. S. Houston, landed at Portland, Ore. On his way back to Washington two days were spent crossing the northern part of 1934's Great Drought. Those days were memorable. His progress was like a triumphal procession. Uninvited thousands drove miles across the blistered plains to hear him speak. And, like a miracle, within a few hours of his passing through those dull, dun, desiccated lands, showers followed, then drenching rains (TIME, Aug. 20, 1934).

Last week amid his...