The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-06-25
BY RODNEY BUTCHER NEA Service Writer
Copyright, 132, NEA Service, Inc

Washington Nothing comes to mind that seems quite so droll as the idea of Senator J. Hamtl- ton Lewis of Illinois as president of the United States.
 But much else Is cockeyed in politics despite the attempt of politicians to cover their trade with an aspect of dignity and pomposity. And of all the states that are send- ing delegations to the democratic national convention with instruc- tions to vote for favorite sons, Illi- nois, with her 58, has the largest voting strength.
 "J. Ham," the -wiskered dandy of 86 summers, runs fourth in number of delegates pledged to him on the first ballot. Only Franklin D. Roosevelt. Al Smith and Jack Garner are ahead of him
 One fears, however, that if the senator attends the convention, he will be more picturesque than in- fluential. The probability is, in fact, that he wil lnot even be a very hot contender for the vice. presidential nomination, which is all most favorite sons are good for.
 The trouble seems to be that the democratic bosses of Illinois made "J. Ham" their nominal choice because they were unable or unwilling to agree for anyone else. They are all set to send their votes elsewhere as soon as they de- eide what's the smart thing to do.
 
 J. Hamilton Lewis may not be presidential timber. but that's often the way with presidential candidates. He certainly would stand out in any crowd you and ! ever saw even if only because or his extraordinary sartorial ele-- gance, his remarkable growth of whiskers (which are now more of a straw color than pink) and his courtly mannerisms.
 If tine democrats are looking for a vote-getter, let them take another look at U. Ham," In q normally republican state he de- feated Mrs Ruth Hanna McCor- mick for the senate in 1850 by Q plurality larger than any other IH- linois candidate ever received = chivalry alone restraints one from mentioning the figure.
 His career of entry has been sel- dom If ever paralleled. He was elected in 1896 as congressman n from the state of Washington. He was elected in 1912 as senator from Illinois and served one term. In 1890 he was again elected a senator from Illinois. Obviously, this is no ordinary man. (And, in politics, nobody's fool.)
 He's strange combination ot shrewdness, political. oratorica! and legal ability, foppishness and affectation. In the few months of his present term he has been more remarked for his habit oi using and mixing the rainbow's colors in his cutaway coats, trous. CTS. vests. shirts, ties and spatf than for any special legislative ac. tivity or achievement. His ora tory Is a flowery and precious as ever and he still displays grea' gallantry.
 He still has fire in him. Ths other day a group of Illinois bonus marchers'' was threatening him in a capitol corridar with de feat If he did not support theil ucInduuS. Hcy dbAcu uluI iL AA. knew "where he was going" ane "J. Ham" said:
 'I don't know what you mean but I'm going into the senat. chamber and you can go to heil!' His streak of independence which sometimes manifests itsel in politics as well as in style, wal first demonstrated when he rar away from home as a boy. He wat born in Danville. Va. and his folki moved to Augusta, Ga. "J. Ham went off to Savannah, where ht washed dishes and studied law.
 With the aid of men who liked him, he proceeded to the Uniyer. sity of Virginia. He also studied at Ohio Northern, Baylor ant Houghton College, eventually be- coming a lawyer. He was a SRr Francisco newspaper reporter briefly. befcxe he landed in Seat tie and began practice.
 To attract trade he raised tn. pink beard. dressed in manly col