The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1934-10-18
What q Man Fariey

~ AN@N - ~ = vi .
MIR. FARLEY revealed himself unblushingly for
4VA the sort of politician he was and is when he
was chairman of the New York przehght commits
sion and the state Democratic committee Simultane-
ously. AS chairman of the prizefght commission he
warped, rescinded or ignored the rules which he had
laid down himself whenever it pleased him to do
so as a favor to a friend. Some of these favors were
very valuable to the friends of Mr.. Farley, a fact
which he never was hypocrite enough to deny. Or
the contrary, he honestly laid it on the line. What
was a friend for, he demanded one day, if a friend
couldn't call on him for a favor and get it?
We were discussing in particular the current
reinstatement of Primo Camera so that he could
fight for Mr.. Farley's friend, James j. Johnston, in
Brooklyn. Primo had been suspended for life" by
Mr.. FarleyS own commission for his involvement in
a fake in California, but the writ remained in force
only until Mr.. Johnston needed a show and found
himself in a position to use Primo.
Nothing mattered to Mr.. Farley in this case ex-
cept that a friend of his stood to make a nice touch
for himself. as the phrase goes, and he said so in a
few frank words. Nor did he mind being quoted to
this effect, although he did seem to put himself in
the position of betraying his solemn public trust as
chairman of the prizehght commission. Still, his
powers, as established by law, were autocratic and
discretionary and if this was an act of fragrant
craftsmanship he had the great Andrew Jackson for
his model. He still has Andrew Jackson for his
model. Mr.. Farley, as a national spokesman today,
VIII deem it no reproach but a beautiful tribute to be
denounced as a worthy pupil of the old master.
He's Too Pure for 1t y
t is rather puzzling to read, among the comments
Il on Mr.. Farleys way of doing political business, a
Wistful half-belief that President Roosevelt is an
innocent party to his political managers operations.
This comes of a beautiful, determined, logged wish
to regard Mr.. Roosevelt as a political savior who
must have politics behind him in order to exist and
work his wonders but is too pure and fine to par
ticipate himself or to condone such business, should
it ever come to his ear.
1t is a lovely, little boy sort of illusion and par
donable in the common citizen but amazing in peo-
pie who have access to the facts. Mr.. Roosevelt sees
Mr.. Farley often and, better than any other Pres
ident since Theodore Roosevelt, he knows what goes
on in Washington because he knows more people
and in greater variety. Mr.. Roosevelt could not be
the man he is and remain ignorant Of the sort Of
politician Mr.. Farley is or in any doubt as to what
he is doing. For the sake of public appearance Mr..
Farley yet may be induced to take the rap and with
draw for the good name of the administration. But,
If so, on the day he goes out, there will be a special
squeeze in the parting handshake which will tele-
graph confdentially to the departing spokesman. the
message, 20. K, pal; we understand each other"
Mr.. Farley has been establishing a national
Tammany but I have never seen him going around
Washington with his finger to his lips, whispering,
"Sh-h; don't tell the boss"
Copyright. 1884. BY Uniteu Feature Syndicate. Incl