The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-12-08
SENATORS FACE
SHOWDOWN ON
MARSHAL POST
Appointment viii Decide
Whether Watson or
Robinson Rules.
BY BEN STERN

A showdown as to who really IS
the Indiana Republican leader con-
fronts the two Hoosier senators be-
cause a vacancy occurs Dec. 20 in
the post of United States marshal
Tor the southern district of Indiana.
Senator James E. Watson, if he
desires to maintain his authority,
must obtain the appointment for
one Of his arherents, while Senator
Arthur r. Robinson is said to be
pledged to reappointment of Alfred
o. Meloy, present marshal.
To Marion county Republicans
the appointment assumes the pro-
portions Of the deciding factor in
the political fate of George V. Cot
fin, discredited G. o. P. county
boss"
May Seal Coffin Fate
If Meloy is not reapponited, it
will embolden county Republican in
surgent leaders to begin a vigorous
offensive against control by Rob-
inson and Coffin, which may result
in the senator failing to obtain the
denomination in the 1884 state con-
vention.
Meloy has been bound hand and
foot to Coffin. The marshal was
bailiff of superior court four when
Clinton H. Givan was the "boss
Judge" and was appointed to the
ferI -
Coffin. who controlled Robinson. In
return, Meloy has served as their
loyal follower and Wayne township
chairman.
There has been no criticism of
the manner in which Meloy has
conducted the Office.
The appointment as United States
marshal is a real political plum.
The salary is $4,000 a year and the
chief deputy does the work.
WinkIer Believed Out
For a short while it was believed
that Sheriff George Winkler, de-
feated for reelection in November,
was a candidate for the post, but
he bowed himself out of the pic
ture when he learned that Coffin
and Robinson we're insistent that
MeIoy be retained.
Downstate Republicans are ask
ing that one of their number be
chosen.
It is pointed out that Watson has
failed to obtain the appointment of
any of his friends to important fed
eral positions.
Oliver LOOMS, United States at
torney for the northern district, was
Robinson's secretary. George r.
Jeffrey, attorney for the southern
district, also was his choice and al
though Watson had pledged the ap-
pointment to John K. Ruckelhaus,
young indianapolis attorney, he
could not deliver.
The worst slap sustained by the
senior senator was in the appoint
ment of the internal revenue COL
lector.
Watson Forced to Back Down
Watson had promised the position
to Miss Dorothy Cunningham, ma
tional committeeman from this
state. He was joined in the de-
mand by M. Bert Thurman, ma
tional committeeman, and Governor
Harry G.. Leslie.
The senate majority leader was,
however, forced to recede from his
position, when Robinson threatened
to oppose her appointment on the
floor of the senate.
The situation occurred at a time
when every Republican vote in the
senate was needed in an effort to
support President Hoover's program
and the administration could not
afford to antagonize the Junior
senator.
AS result of this situation,
E. E. Neal, Noblesville publisher,
supported by Robinson, obtained the
job
Such consideration may be thrown
to the winds at the present time,
Watson's friends say.
Showdown Is Necessary
There must be a showdown and
Watson has to win if he is to re-
tain control of the Republican state
organization" an outstanding party,
leader said today.
The name of Harry Nichols,
Fourth district chairman, Republic
an candidate for state treasurer in
the last election and an applicant
Tor the post of internal revenue COL
lector, has been advanced for mar
shall.
At the some time, mention is
made of Benjamin Huffman of
Rockport, First district chairman,
and Linn Kidd of Brazil, Fifth dis
trict chairman.
In obtaining the appointment of
any OF these three men, Watson will
have asserted his authority and
Robinson's light would be dinlmed
vastly.
In fact, as long as Meloy Goes not
retain the post. it will be victory
for the senior senator, it is pointed
out.
BARRING 0E HHU 0PEN