Evening star., 1932-09-04
WALKER REFRA|NS
FROM DECLARING
HE IS CANDIDATE
Cease in Hands of People," !"
Says Former New York
Mayor.
POSITION OF TAMMANY
ON CHOICE is AWAITED
"Al' Smith Silent-Courts May
Decide Legality of Election
This or Next Fall.
BY the Associated Press.

by the associated PreSS.
NEW YORK, September P.-
James ]. Walker left the way open to-
night for fight to regain the toga Of
mayor, which he voluntarily put aside
two days ago.
Are you going to be a candidate for
reelection" he was asked, as he rested
in his midtown apartment
MY case is in the hands of the peo-
pie of New York City" he replied
slowly.
Il am not going to urge them one
way or another.
MY record as mayor Of the City of
New York is all have to offer.
"The Democratic party as well as
the people of New York have my case
want the fellow on the street.-The
man and woman on the street-to de-
eide 1t.
Relies on Record.
my record as mayor must be judged
and I want the peoples frank and def
mite judgment"
1t was the first statement he had
made since he resigned at the height
of removal proceedings before Gov.
Roosevelt. which grew out of legisla-
tive investigation of the city govern
ment.
The statement fell into a bubbling
mass of speculation oyer what national
political repercusSions are likely to re-
suit from the tangled situation
At the same time "Al" Smiths name
was injected into the discussions.
The Post reported it had learned on
excellent authority" that If Walker
becomes a candidate and Smiths aid is
sought, the Happy Warrior of 1923"
will reply, in effect, that ''he cannot
support man who resigned under fire.
Smith himself was silent
Smith and Walker are fellow members
Of Tammany Hall.
Legality of Election Questioned.
Since Joseph v. Mckee, aldermanic
president, who Is not Tammany men,
ber, has taken over Walkers duties. one
Of the Tammany leaders, City Clerk
Michael j. Cruise, has certified to the
board Of elections that the Office OF
mayor Is still vacant" and should be
filled at November's election.
1t has been predicted by McKee's ad-
visers and others that the question Of
whether new mayor is to be elected
this Fall or next Fall will have to be
fought out in the courts because of the
uncertainty Of the law on the subject.
Because the period in which candi-
dates can qualify for the September
primaries has passed. the regular DEM
ocratic nominee must be selected by the
five borough leaders If the election Is to
be held this year.
In some quarters it has been reported
Walker will receive this backing. but
from one of the organization chieftains.
John H. McCooey of BROOKLYN, has come
the statement that ut Is not fully
decided"
The Post said McCooey's statement
and Smiths reported attitude are signs
that the party's candidate may not be
Mr.. Walker after all"
United Support Doubted.
The Sun said there are strong indi-
cations Walker may not have the united
support of New York Democrats so nee
essary to success"
This was based on widespread reports
that Republican and anti-Tammany
Democratic groups we're seeking a
mayoralty candidate whom they could
join in supporting.
Walkers smile and his customary
! Jokes were absent as he discussed the
situation.
He sat in the living room Of his ninth
floor apartment facing Park avenue,
which he has not left for two days.
He wore pair of light blue fiowered
pajamas. Vases of roses stood on sew
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