The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-11-12

Il ington today, yet one of the most sportsman
like, is Henry P. Fletcher eX-diplomat, eX-tarif
expert and at present chairman of the Republi-
can National Committee.
Mr. Fletcher has been taking the overwhelm-
ing defeat of his party on the chin. He does not
growl or say unkind words about his opponents.
He still smiles and merrily goes the rounds of
Washington society. And if the smile be little
forced and the tired look about his eyes trifle
accentuated, who is to criticise him?
Glimpsed in the lobby of hotel here, af-
fable Chairman Fletcher was surrounded by a
group of friends. Gle will always have friends,
no matter which side he is on)
TOO bad old man." exclaimed one as he pat
ted him on the shoulder in jocular vein.
Another began explaining laboriously how it
all happened. The debacle started this way
then such-and-such a thing occurred, and then
naturally there was a landslide.
A third politician, glunly chewing on a cigar
expressed caustic opinions Still others tried to
cheer Fletcher with gay and bantering repartee.
Past the group ambled lady, widely known
in political circles. She threw a glance at
Fletcher
"Oh," she remarked to a companion, "is that
poor, miserable Mr.. Fletcher"
The chairman of the Republican National
Committee spun around.
: Yes, Madam" he sighed, with a quizzical
look, 1T is indeed the poor, miserable Mr.
Fletcher"
CENATOR BOB LA TOILETTE came bouncing
- into town, eXultant, wearing a triumphant
look, slightly tired, and SO. hoarSe he hardly
could talk above a husky basso.
1t was, he conceded, a magnificent campaign
He found sufficient strength to receive congratu-
latons from score of friends and to express
delight at Progressive victories in Wisconsin.
After his luncheon with President Roosevelt,
the active young senator bounced merrily out of
town again and back to Wisconsin. He doesn't
expect to return before Christmas. But he'll be
busy, if yesterdays quick trip is any criterion.
IF the smile of Chairman Fletcher is forced
l. that of his rival, rotund exuberant Chair
man jim Farley of the Democratic National
Committee, is all-embracing and expansive.
He sits at his desk surrounded by well-wish-
ers, friends, acquaintance, glad-handers and
political magnates of every possible Democratic
flavor, receiving tribute like a king from his
vassals. When he speaks, Emil Hurja jumps
and the door opens or closes Phones ring all
day and it is as easy to see him as to interview
the Viceroy of India.
Nevertheless, Big Jim was Eat home" to the
to pudding.
Lounging at ease in his comfortable chair his
face wreathed in a gigantic grin, Mr.. Farley
bantered for about an hour with correspondents.
Nothing could snake his sublime satisfaction
not even the most pointed quip or barbed wit
ticiSm. To every impertinence only the great
smile flashed as cooling sounds proceeded from
the Farleyan throat.
If Mr.. Farley smoked or drank Che does
neither) he would have slipped a whisky-soda
or inhaled a Corona-Corona in sheer buoyance
of spirits. Instead he chewed his inevitable
gum.
This election" de declared beamng on his
audience, lis the cheapest election we've ever
had. 1t cost us only $4,000"
Again he remarked:
"Au my predictions came true There will be
no Republican party from now on. They have
no leadership to stage revival. In 1885, Presi-
dent Roosevelt will be reelected unanimously.
Are you going to quit now as national chair
man and improve the postal service" asked
some one.
Il shall continue to function in whatever ca
pacity the administration wishes me-" said
Farley.
1t was Big Jms day and not all the ques-
tons in the world could rattle him or disturb
that cherubic smile