New-York tribune., 1922-04-02
Nobody Feels the job
Shortage More Than
the Political Leader.
His Days Are Night
mares, His Nights Are
Full of Phone Calls
n YNFAVORABLE business conditions
in short hard hmes-are reflected in
Z a lot Of unexpected ways. For in

lot Of unexpected ways. For in
stance, the political leader is wor-
? ried man during such periods. His anxiety
is not caused by fear as to where his own
next meal is coming from, for he is reasonably
:. csetain that his income will not depreciate
whether it be from the holding of public
office at stated salary or from invisible but
the less tangible sources. What he is
worried about is whether he will be able to
provfde enough patronage to satisfy his fol
lowers.
# Is clever politician who can, under the
best OF conditions, provide public jobs for all
those seeking them. But during times Of
financial stress job-hunters lurk everywhere
They besiege him at his home and Office and
his telephone bell rings continuously. The only
respite he has is when he can get away for
few days after negecting to confde to any
one where he is going.
This condition is in evidence to-day, and
political leaders say the end is not in sight
The writer happened TO CALL few days ago,
upon the political leader Of one Of the bor-
oughs of this city. The call lasted about
twenty minutes. During that period it was in
terrupted three times by telephone messages
from constituents seeking political positions.
jHeS were WIulIlR 10 TAKE Almost any InlnS, no
matter how insignificant, just so they might
be certain Of stated income, as. naturally,
they would be with the city or state as their
paymaster,
Ii 50 happened, the leader explained in
commenting upon the appeals, that all three
Of the applicants employed in business
houses. But each Of them expressed anxiety
over the future. Business was bad, every one
Of them said, and business houses were reduc-
ing salaries and pay rolls. They didn't know
how long they might expect to be retained
where they were, they could not hope to be
taken by other concerns in the same line,
and their only chance to land in politi-
cal position while the landing was good.
But the landing isn't good, the leader cor
tinued. In New York City this year uncom-
monty few elective Office holders were in
Quoted. Consequently, those who succeeded
themselves retained practically all the aids
who had been with them hitherto. AS for the
state positions. il was even worse. There hay
ing been no change in administration at Al
bany this year, there mighty few new
appointments to be made.
The leader was compelled to tell his three
telephone callers that there appeared to be no
opening for them at present. He advised
each to inquire what possibilities there may be
and get himself indorsed by the local leaders
for something for the future.
This developed the fact that most appoint
i've positions good for a specified term of years
sought long before their expiration by
Wouldbc successors to the incumbent Court
clerks for example appointed III New
York for four or six years. The terms do not
I FIX
dates are arriving constantly throughout the
year. Suppose a court clerk was appointed
six years ago by Democratic Judge. Re
publican meanwhile, has been elected in that
district. He knows that he will have the ap-
pointment of member of his own party when
the term of the Democrat expires. His know
edge is shared by all the Republicans in his
district who are interested in such matters.
Months before the expiration date has been
reached some Republican who aspircs to thai
clerkship will be pulling wires to obtain the
necessary Endorsement. Sometimes such an in
dorsement is given to only one aspirant Ere
riuently several are recommended to the posses
sor Of the appointing power, and he may take
/ his choice. An Endorsement once made is con-
sldered sacred by reputable political leaders.
If John Jones has been indorsed for posi-
tion which will not be vacant for six months
he may, IL his leader be the right sort rest
assured that he will receive the appointment
unless he himself relnquishes the Endorsement
If his leader be unreliable, however, ne is quite
likely TO be double crossed and when the
vacancy occurs shelved for some new favorite
If he is there is nothing he can do about it.
If he hides his disappointment proves "good
SPORT and does not go about complaining Of
the "raw deal" he received he will probably
be offered somethins alse without undue delay
If he shoUs tAA1 ne ts ''sore," however, he will
sink stn 1ower in the opinion Of the leader,
and it may take years of patient effort before
ne is restored to the pinnacle, politically speak
ing, from which he may be elevated to posi-
tion.
Human nature Is strange thing, particu-
larly when it is mixed up with politics. The
unreliable leader, who thinks nothing Of break
ing his word and double crossing" faithful
followers, often seems as successful as tho one
whose promise when given is inviolate. The
= reason for that is that nobody loves "sore-
head" If man has been promised political
position, fails to get 1t and goes about telling
acn,,aip%s meas and friends hat Eivty croo-