The program submitted to the country yesterday by the National Association of Manufacturers is symptomatic of the change in attitude that the business world has undergone. It has apparently decided to make a determined attempt to regain its lost influence in the government of the nation.

The Hoover administration was devoted to the interests of the industrialists and was controlled by them. During the dark days of February and March, 1932, they were apparently glad to admit defeat and to retire. Since then there has been a gradual revival of self-confidence. During the summer this revival expressed itself in growing but rather incoherent criticism of the Administration. The American Liberty League aroused hopes of strong constructive thinking, but they remained unfulfilled. The recent Congressional elections, however, have apparently given the movement added impetus. Perhaps the leaders of industry now realize that against a well-organized and aggressively led movement mere petulant carping is ineffective.

Until now the business-men have been their own worst enemies. A rugged individualist with tears in his eyes is a sorry spectacle. When those whose interests are most vitally involved in the system of private enterprise can find no better defence of their beliefs than twaddle about liberty and Americanism, they must expect others to become slightly bored. The new tone is encouraging. Regardless of the New Deal majority in Congress one can expect more intelligent opposition in the future. Only by this means can the parliamentary system be saved.