Evening star., 1932-09-02
Rate by MaiI-Payable In Advance.
AInrrIard and Nirninia
An o,b.r States and Canada
nI.mher nf thr Assnciated Press.
Mayor Walkers Resignation.

mayor walker heslS hdtloH'
Probably never before in the history
Of American politics has there been
so complicated situation as that which
has arisen in consequence Of the resig-
nation OF Mayor James J. Walker OF
Greater New York in the course OF his
trial before the Governor OF the state
on charges of malfeasance, with the
penalty Of removal from Office in pros
pect. Choosing with dramatic eiectlVe-
ness for his action the eve Of the re-
sumption of the hearing after judicial
ruling TO the effect that while the Gov
ernor has the power Of removal the
proceedings before him have been un-
Just in that the Governor has not sum-
moned witnesses to sustain the charges
and permitted their cross-eXaminatlon
by the defendant. the mayor appeals
from a court which he declares to be
prejudiced and unfair to the higher
tribunal of the people of the city OF
New York, thus definitely implying that
he will seek reelection Immediately.
Had this development occurred two
years ago, or If it had been postponed
two years hence it would not have hao
80 profound an effect upon nationai
and State politics as it will now in
escapably have. 1t brings into direct
conflict Tsmmany and its animated
Democratic organizations Of the metrop-
oils with those supporting Gov. Roose-
Welt in the presidential race. 1t like
wise has a bearing upon the state
campaign for the election OF Governor
and other State officers. Repercussions
of sympathy for Mayor Walker as the
,,resumptiye victim of Gov. Roosevelt's
proceedings at Albany are likely 10 oc-
cur in other large cities to the dis
advantage of the Democratic presl-
dential candidate. On the other hano'
Gov. Roosevelt may be aided in some
parts of the country by the antagonism
of Tammany, which is considered oy
great numbers of the people OF tnis
country as a sinister influence. just
how far these reactions will carry 10
the net gain or loss Of Gov. Roose-
velt in his campaign cannot now De
reckoned.
IT is not altogether clear whether the
way is open for Mr.. Walker TO take
the field as candidate for mayor IN
November. Conflicting opinions have
already been expressed on the score
Of his eligibility. The term OF once
which he now resigns expires December
al, 1888. 1t is held by some That
Joseph v. Mckee, president OF the ooaro
of aldermen, who automatically be-
comes MAYOR, will hold that office until
succeeded by the one who is elected In
November, 1898. Litigation may ensue
On this point. But whether the mayor
runs this year or next to seek the vinol-
cation which he desires. the hostility
toward Gov. Roosevelt felt by Tammany
is certain TO be expressed at the polls
in November next.
In another direction the walker resig-
nation, accompanied by a statement
couched in terms Of bitter denuncia-
ton of the Governors conduct OF the
/, hearing, is calculated to throw mon
KEY wrench into the Democratic State
machine. 1t is in prospect that an
effort will be made by, the Democratic
magnates of Greater New York to dis
place James A. Farley, chairman Of the
Democratic National Committee and
Gov. Roosevelts pre-convention and
convention manager. from his post as
chairman OF the State committee, as
well as to prevent the nomination OF
Lieut.. Gov. Herbert H. Lehman, the
Governors choice, as Democratic can
didate for Governor. 1t Is expected
that at the Albany State Convention
Tammany and its sffliates will throw
their strength to Mayor John Boyd
Thacher of Albany.
The concluding sentences Of Mayor
Walkers statement explaining his de-
cision to resign have particular sig
nifcance. He says:
Why, then, continue before him Gov
ROOSEVELT when there is another forum
open to me? To that forum, the peo-
pie Of the city of New York, leave
my case in the spirit Of true democracy
conscious of the rectitude Of my OFF,
cisl acts, and with faith in the fail
Judgment of my fellow citizens. I an
not trying to avoid responsibilities.
am incurring 1t by submitting my cast
to the people who made me mayor
the people OF the city of New York
To this decision l have been urged b!
the most loyal and distinguished Demo
Gratis in the country.
Who are those most loyal and dis.
tinguished Democrats? Upon answer
to this question may turn not onl.
the decision in the parochial matte
of the mayoralty. but even the deci
sion in the national contest now il