Evening star., 1922-05-10
MOVIE CONVENTION
S|DETRACKS ROW
Deposed Counsel and Head
Who Fired Him Are Both
Endorsed.

With the Cohen-Walker controversy
temporarily out of the way, routine
business will be resumed at the third
national convention of the Motion
Picture Theater Owners of America,
which opened its third-day session at
the Hotel Washington today
Little else was discussed in hotel
lobbies last night and early today by
the thousands Of delegates here for
the convention. and. while both lead
ers have their respective followings
there. none would predict what the
ultimate outcome Of the unpleasant
ness would be.
In two-and-a half hour talk at the
late session yesterday James J.
walker. minority leader of the New
as general counsel of the organiza-
tion. empha tically denied being a
candidate for any office within the as
sociation. and branded as false the
story to the effect that he would take
the oft1ce as president of the NJ. P
1. y. A. at salary OF $4,000 year.
Reply to Cohen.
The speech of Senator Walker fol-
lowed an attack on him on the floor
of the convention Monday by Sydney
S. Cohen. president of the organiza-
tion.
Referring to his dismissal as coun-
sci at salary Of $1,000 per month,
Senator Walker said he was unable
to learn whether he was dimissed.
declaring that while he had received
letter notifying him of his dis
charge. he later received letter
from President Cohen announcing
that he had not been dismissed.
IF there is any doubt about my
Il hereby in open convention re-
spectfully here and now submit my
resignation.
Il deny that I have given anybody
permission to quote me as being
candidate, and the published report of
my candidacy for president at $4,000
year is cheap fabrication"
Reviews His Work.
Reviewing the benefits which he
intimated he had helped to bring to
motion picture exhibitors in New
York. Senator Walker said that he
and my pal AL Smith were instru-
mental in obtaining the Sunday open
ing law and in the reduction of spe-
cial theater taxes" He enumerated
many conferences he had had with
United States senators relative to
motion picture taxes and censorship
Touching on the alleged claim by
his opponents that he had little or
no power with the republican power
in New York state, the senator said.
II greet you today as the minority
leader in the New York state as
sembly. but the time is not far off
when will be the majority leader
in that same body, and perhaps more.
I nd
advocates and this little discussion
that we now have may crop up
again."
In conclusion. the deposed counsel
said:
Right here and now I want to
dustry in any capacity. except as a
movie fan. have been offered the
position Of legal counsel of the New
York state branch of the organiza-
tion and also OF the chamber of COM
merce group in New York city.
when get back to New York?
Won't they say I was a fine picker
when 1t came to choosing my pals?
All, yes, but thereI1 be a reckoning
when this little matter with Mr..
Cohen and his crowd is ironed out"
All Factions Approved.
President Cohen responded to SEN
ator Walker. and defended his action,
after which a motion was proposed.
expressing confidence in him and his
Of the national office.
Scores of amendments were quickly
offered. When order was restored an
amendment including Senator Walker
in the vote Of confidence was adopted.
and later the whole executive COM
mittee which had terminated Walkers
connection with the Organization was
included.
A plea for high ideals within the
motion picture industry and warn.
ing against the dangers Of monopoly
were issued by Thomas H. 1nce, movie
producer.
Several hundred Of the delegates at
tended the Metropolitan Theater last
night as tho guests Of Harry Crandall