The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-07-08
'. D. ROOSEVELT STANDS AS HERO
 OF CONVENTION
Would Be Tragic Figure But For Courage
 In Smile
tBy Leased Wire To The Age. .Hsrald)

(By Leased Wire To The Age -HeraId)
 NEW YORK, July No matter whether his andidate-Governor Al Smith, of New York-wins or loses, Franklin D. Roosevelt stands out as the real hero of the democratic convention of 1924. ...
 Adversity has lifetd him above the pickering, the religious bigorty, conflict ing personal ambition and petty sec tional prejudices.
 It has made him the one leader com manding the respect and admiration of delegates from all sections of the land.
 Stricken two years ago at the zenith of his career with infantile paralysis, Roosevelt refused to concede the defeat that weaker man would have accepted as fate. He merely smiled and fought back. It was a genuine smile with the gameness of generations of American blood and breeding behind it.
 Former Athlete
 From 1.-the, athletic figure, standing six feet two and tipping the beam at 190, with the head of Greek god, he had become half man physically. That handsome head-with new expression that magnificent torso, were still his, but the long, straight, sturdy legs that carried him so nonchalantly through street parades in the disastrous demo- cratic campaign of 1920, were gone. They have shriyeled to mere shanks and only by the aid of steel braces and crutches can he walk.
 But the determination that knows no defeat has won him back a long way on the road to recovery, and despite his infirmity he took charge of Gov ernor Smiths campaign. Those who have watched him in the convention and at conferences of leaders know why Al Smith picked Roosevelt to guide his political destiny. His wise and az gressive campaign has fired the ad- miration of all, but his own conduct has been the real marvel of the conven- tion.
 Courage Remains
 Roosevelt might be pathetic, tragic figure but for the fine courage that flashes in his smile. It holds observers enchanted. They forget the tortured progress that he makes on crutches, dragging his legs as he makes his way down the aisle of the convention hall. That smile holds a spiritual grace that it lacked when Roosevelt was assist ant secretary of the treasury. Then he appeared to revel in abundant good health and magnificent manhood. Even the responsibilities of the democratic presidential nomination failed to give the present touch.
 1t was not merely sympathy for a big man crippled that caused the great throng in Madison Square Garden to give Roosevelt that only real spontane- ous ovation yet accorded any candidate or leader. It was more than the cour- age that glows in the handsome face. The crowd caught the spirit beneath.
 Wins Most Cheers
 Al Smith. idol of New Workers, has been denied the privilege of appearing in person before the convention, but it is doubtful if he or William G. McAdoo could awaken, even among his "cru- saders," the depth of feeling touched by the gallant Roosevelt. Pat Harrison of Mississippi, with all his personality, George Brennan, with all his power, Tom Taggart, with all his party serv- ice, Cordell Hull, with all his sincerity none has brought the Garden crowd