The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1932-08-22
A Firmer Roosevelt

tThe following editorial appearing the New York World
Telegram. seripps-HOward gives impression
from his home city Of Franklin Rooseves performance to
date in the Mayor Walker hearingJ
Praise without grudge or stint, we think is due
Governor Roosevelt for his fine handling Of the
Mayor Walker hearings
From the first moment the Governor took COM
mand. For seven dayc through the maze of techni-
calities obstacles and delays in which the mayor
and his counsel have sought to entangle the pro-
ceedngs the Governor has gone straight ahead
losing his grip or his sense of direction.
He mas shown more than mere lawyers skill He
has shown a firmness, a determination down
rightness that can not but impress many persons
who while admiring the Governors qualities of mind
have found him lacking moral and political back
bone. And the test has been no light one.
The brilliant James j. Walker, accustomed to con-
quer by sheer personal fascination has met his match
Against the flashing adroitness, the facle eyasionS
of the mayor the Governor has used only quiet per-
fectly controlled questioning, courteous but pene-
trative. Yet by the neat turn of question ne
has pricked bubble after bubble.
Amid the endless food of objection bubble, OBJ
structon and preposterous demand from the mayors
counsel the Governors patience has been we'll nigh
inexhaustible Yet he has yielded nothing, and he
has administered sharp and telling rebukes when
needed.
Have you read my decision in the Farley case?"
Knocked endways Counsel Curtns plea for exclusion
of the mayors personal finances.
Elimination of the mayors first term acts likewise
was refused fatty. Il consider the evidence which
was the basis of the charges, if you admit that IL
was taken properly under oath as SUFFICIENT eWoence
to require % an answer by the mayor and CO ques-
tioning by me of the mayor" disposed OF the curtin
attempt to keep out all the Hofstadter committee
testimony.
completely called the Curtin bluff about subpenaing
The Governors quick bland motion granted
all the Hofstader witnesses-and dashed the mayors
hopes of martyrdom.
"Confine yourself to the evidence" don't talk
arv more" what want is the kernel L shall take
charge of this proceeding pretty and shut 1t Off,
are other samples of Roosevelt insistence on keeping
to the track
one doesn't have to be a lawyer to appreciate the
Governors astonishing mastery Of the evidence ltse1
Despite the immense volume of that evidence, the
Governor took the mayor over complicated places
with as much insight and thoroughness as if the Gov
ernor himself had taken the original testimony IhaC
means not only skill, but conscientious study.
The highest tribute to Governor Roosevelts grasp
~ tho case Is the mayors present desperate resort
to the courts to challenge the Governors removal
mower. 1t would appear that to attack that power
,o, eoers to Mavor Walker his last and only chance,
He apparently does not dare trust to the Cover
nor's Judgment and decision The hearings nave
given the mayor no confidence whatever that con-
stdoraHon for Tammany will influence the decision
For this excellent conduct of difficult and I'M
portant proceeding in the history OF city ana SVaVe
FRANKLIN D. Roosevelt is entitled to full credit.
We have disagreed with some OF his policies we
have dsapproved of his hesitances' we nave oe-
plored his delays. But in the Walker removal pr
-, NC +,inr the Governor has shown, far,
comnoendable vigor and firmness.
We hone he will go on displaying the same quail
,.i NOT only as Governor of the state, but as cand-
dote for the presidency. They are the qualities ne
needs the qualities we should be glad to see MN
demonstrate further.