AMERICAN NOTES: What to Do for an Encore

Over the summer, with Richard Nixon's initiative toward China and his startling economic campaigns, foreign and domestic, an unfamiliar sense of drama has overtaken the Administration. Last week, as the President headed for his Alaskan meeting with Japan's Emperor Hirohito, and mainland China seemed astir with mysterious movement (see THE WORLD), there was anticipation of further surprises.

There was some speculation that he might fly directly to Peking after his meeting with Hirohito. Or that he might name a woman to the Supreme Court. Or that he might yield to protests and...