New-York tribune., 1921-01-03
AL Smith Says
Never Again to
Political Jobs
Doesn't Want the Mayoralty
and Wouldn't Take 1t,
He Asserts, but Main
tains Interest in Politics
Enters Business To-day
Becomes Head of Trucking
Firm and Declares There
Is Expanding To Be Done

1t anybody wants to find Al Smith,
former Governor of New York, during
business hours from now on he will
have to go to the office of the United
States Trucking Corporation, at 1893
Canal Street, and ask for the new
chairman of the board of directors. He
needn't 60 asking around political
he will not run for Mayor or for Con-
gress nor for the Governorship. He
said that much very decidedly at his
home, 25 Oliver Street, yesterday, and
he repeated it.
~ don't want the Mayoralty," said
Mr.. Smith. II wouldn't take it. don't
want any other political place. won't
accept any offer of public office. I'm
through. I think I've done my share.
Please make that very plain. Pm not
through with politics, but III never
again hold a political Office. I'm
business man from now on"
Public Career 1t End
In such tcrse sentences did the for
mer governor make it clear htat his
career in public life, which started
25 years ago, and which found him
sheriff and president of the Board Of
Alderman, and Assemblyman, and hold
ing various other political posts, is
which is big enough and important
enough to make him change his mind.
Right now, he says, there isn't any
thing of the sort in view. He is all
wrapped up in his prospects with the
trucking corporation. He says there
were many opportunities open to him
in business way-banks, trust COM
panes, insurance concerns and what
not offering him jobs-but after due
inquiry among trucking men he had
known personally he concluded this was
The real, man-sized job that he wanted
"a lob in which he could be happy.
'1'm glad Pm just plain AL Smith
front room Of his little home. my
mothers glad, and that's enough"
The former Governor paid warm
tribute to the man who has succeeded
him at Albany.
Il hope there comes a time when
can do something or say something
that will help Governor Miller" he
said. Boost him; help him along.
He's able and willing. All he needs is
your confidence and your help. He will
have no more loyal supporter than l
will prove to be-"
According to the former Governors
statement, he will have charge of the
organization work, coordination work
and policy FIXING of the United States
Trucking Corporation, which is said to
be the biggest concern Of its kind
twenty eight trucking companies. with
2,400 horses, 1000 men, 1900 horse
drawn vehicles and $50 motor trucks.
Recalls Ills First Job
eve hope to develop the business so
Il will be a direct connecting and
money-saving link between the rail-
roads and the receivers of shipped
goods" said the former Governor Of
New York State. "The great waste in
the trucking business has ben emtpy
trucks and loss Of time waiting at
piers and railroad freight dumps. We
hope to keep every truck loaded all the
time--to get the maximum Of usage and
power out of al the trucks all the
time.
"The first job ever held was in 1899,
when l worked for William ]. Redmond,
who had trucking business down in
Front Street. got IS week, or there
abouts, and it cost me more than that
in shoe leather. Here am back in the
business again-or will be the first
thing in the morning.
The corporation with which he will
be connected, the former Governor ex-
planned. has been in business little
more than a year. Ex-Governor Smith
will succeed George f. Getz, of Chi
cago, who found he could not spare
the time from his other interests and
suggested CAP Smith for the job.