Those, who realize that they are watching history take shape, will find it difficult to estimate the relative importance of the forces which gave the New Deal such an overwhelming victory at the polls on Tuesday. The personal popularity of the President was not enough. Neither can one say blithely that the political use of relief rolls was the only cause.

Leaving aside merits or demerits of Mr. Roosevelt's program, what does this election mean? First of all, we know where we stand. The New Deal was not an issue in the 1932 campaign and this has been the first chance that the country has had to voice its approval or disapproval. Secondly, we are confronted with the practical annihilation of the Republican party which should be fulfilling the function of an opposition. As a result, all valid criticism of policies must come from within the Democratic party.

Thirdly, the name Republican and Democrat proves itself to be nothing more than a tag. Neither the winning nor the dying group stand for their basic principles any longer with the result that there will probably be a realignment of parties, even if under the same name. Internal dissension in Democratic ranks should gradually make way for a new division such as conservatives and liberals. Fourthly and most important is the realization that the New Deal will proceed to its logical conclusion, with reactionary and Tory Republicans unable to impede its course.

While the Roosevelt policies involve grave dangers which many men are unwilling to risk, they will have their chance. They now possess every possible advantage, and if they fall it will not be through obstructionist tactics but through something inherently wrong in their underlying theory.