The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-01-26
(NEA Service Writcr)

Washington.-Note on the dem- ocratic committee meeting which picked Chicago for the party con- yention. Cautious conserva- tism seemed the keynote in all but Al Smiths speech urging big fed eral unemployment relief bond is- sue. Everybody, full of con- fidence, playing safe. Jackson day dinner flatter than four years ago, with no recognized candidates speaking and speeches generally unexciting. No public linen-wash- ing as one always expects from democrats. No liquor in sight at Roosevelt's headquarters (consid- cred downright fanaticism at po- litical meeting). Just copies of his latest legislative message and Err nest Hndley's biography. Chi cago got convention because no good reason to go anywhere else. N. C. (National Committed. man) Isadore Dockweiler said newspaper correspondents would vote almost unanimously for San Francisco. Right-but who. cared :? Indications: Roosevelt of New York still leading for nom- ination, not gaining but not slip ping. Ritchie of Maryland visibly stronger since his announcement of candidacy, but still far from victory. Not much talk about Baker of Ohio, but he remains the inactive dark horse in the picture. No reconciliation of statements by Smiths friends that he: l. Has no thought of running. 2. Would Jilfa f0 ho nominated
 Some soreness about the tactics of big, bald-headed Jim Farley. Roosevelt manager and chairman of New York's boxing commission. who told Kansas City to revise its convention bid, let it be known that Roosevelt forces would demonstrate their committee strength by pick ing Kansas City instead of Chi cago, then let the strength vote as it liked, he himself voting for Cht- cago. One explanation: Roosevelt wanted to please southern and western drys who opposed Chicago, but Farley found his southerners demanding relatively nearby Kan sas City, his westerners San Fran cisco, and disliked to take sides. None of the master minds seemed mentally masterful. :. Best line: Chairman Raskob, after praising the work of Executive Chairman Jouett Shouse: "Of course, Hoover helped us some, too." =. Best piece of wisdom heard - one experienced leader: There's no place for hater in politics."
 The man you always spot promptly at democratic meetings and look at twice-is N. c. Norman Mack of Buffalo. now 73, still deep- ly respected by everyone. Only 109 committee members, and it's their meeting, but thousands of democrats from far and wide always pour into the Mayfiower hotel for such sessions. Non-com- mitteemen, for instance: Speaker Jack Garner, the Texas plainsman who abhors society, in q top hat donned to get to the dinner. John w. Davis, arm in arm with his old national chairman, the lovable but unmourned Clem Shaver of West Virginia.
 Banker Melvin Traylor of Chi cago, whom some people will in- sist is presidential possibility, with Jesse Jones, once famous Texas capitalist who took the con- vention to Houston in '28. Sem ator Jim Ham Lewis, surrounded by ladies in the lobby. Another fair one rushes up, says: "Ooh! Look at all the women!" Jim Ham says: Well, where else would you expect them to be?" Lewis is sartorial curiosity, but the three most distinguished-looking demo- crats (perhaps because certain others have aged and fattened) were Ritchie, N. H. Howard Bruce of Maryland, and N. c. Bruce