The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-08-09

HA'AADt'O l'AAiNAs
But powers beyond their
control moved inevitably to-
ward the present climax, and
when the two meet it will be
as avOWed and bitter enemies.
The Governor will have it in his
power to put an end TO the mayor
political career-the only career he
has known since he became a Tam
many favorite while still in his 20s.
That the mayor is in imminent
danger of removal is indicated by all
the circumstances
Evidence Piles Up
Had the Governor intended to
dismiss the charges filed against
him by Seabury, by James E. Fine
gan, an independent Democrat, and
by William j. Schieffelin, represent
ing citizens group calling them
selves the Committee of One Thou
sand he would not have needed to
call public hearing.
More than year ago, before the
Hofstadter committee began its
work of piling up evidence against
the mayor the Governor CURLY dis
missed charges filed by citizens
group.
But when. earlier this year.
charges were filed against Sheriff
Thomas M. Farley, the Governor
called Farley before him for two
day public hearing, and summary
ousted him.
If Walkers fate is to be like Far
ley's, he will gain the distinction of
being the first mayor of New York
t. be removed by Governor. New
York, unlike most states, vests in
the Governor the right to remove
many elective county and city Off
Gals
Only Farley OuSted
This power has been used spar
ingly. Most Governors have COM
pleted their terms without removal
of any officer. In Roosevelt's term,
only Farley has fallen before him,
The Walker Roosevelt controversy
has become involved ineXtricably
in the national political situation.
1t was said it was because he did
not wish local affairs to interfere
with his national ambitions, the
Governor showed irritation as Sea-
bury drove deeper and deeper in
the New York municipal situation.
But Roosevelt has the reputation
for being a lucky politician. Where
as it was believed widely only few
weeks ago that it would be suicidal
for him to remove the mayor and
thus sacrifice New York City's
needed Democratic votes in the
presidential election, it no longer
is felt that his action in the mayors
case will injure him.
The mayor has lost standing at
unbelievable speed recently. Prop
erty owners have tired of him be-
cause of the immense budget and
the high tax rates.
City Employees Angered
Then the mayor brought on him
self the anger of the citys 10000
employees when he proposed they
voluntarily" take a months pay
cut.
Though termed a voluntary" pay
cut, the employees were informed
that those who voted against it
would have their names on file.
This was counted on to intimidate
them.
Surprisingly enough, it did not do
so in those departments where the
employees had courageous organiza-
tons, and with defeat of the plan
the mayor has lost caste.
The New York populace. like any
other, loves a winner. It quickly
turns on loser. and that is ap-
parently to be its reaction to the
mayor.
AS for the rest of the country
there is no indication that it cares
what happens in New York.
The mayor himself is reported to
be reconciled to his removal. He is
said TO consider himself the victim
Of circumstances. and to be viewing
his eclipse with what philosophy he
can muster.
Seabury Assemblies Evidence
The charges he will face at AL
hany arise largely from Seabury's
painstaking investigation. Supple
menting the Seabury findings are
The accusations of Finegan. who has
urged the mayors removal on
grounds that while he has not been
able to disprove charges of corrup-
tlon, he. even more seriously, for |
me public welfare, has been guilty |
OF misfeasance and nonfeasance.
One of the principal matters ex-
pected to come up Thursday is the |
disappearance Of Russell T. Sher-
wood, the mayors missing account
ant, and popularity referred to as his
bag man."
Walker fatty has insisted that
sherwood, who banked more than
100000, was not his agent, but Sea-
bury has submitted what he con-
siders conclusive proof that money
from the Sherwood accounts was
used by the mayor for his own uses
and for the uses, Of his family and
Tor purchases for an unnamed
friend
Other matters viii include his gift