Evening star., 1935-09-13

How Huey Long would have rejoiced
over the colossal publicity given by the
press. not only in the United States but
abroad, to his tragic fate! There has
been nothing like it in our time except
the Lindbergh flight, the Lindbergh
baby kidnapping and the Hauptmann
trial The nearest recent approach to
it was the disaster which befell Will
Rogers and Wiley Post. There could be
no more convincing evidence OF Longs
hold upon the popular imagination than
the pages of news, editorials and pic
lures devoted to his passing. They are
indiSputable proof that, with all his
faults. he had become towering ma
tional figure. Editorial comment is
notable in that it discusses with candor
the seamy side OF Longs career. Ex-
pressionS Of regret over the circum-
stances of his doom are mingled with
critical references to his dictatorship,
his ruthless tactics and the lessons to
be drawn from political methods so re-
pugnant to American ideals.
Longs amazing life nevertheless seems
likely to prove q theme Of study for
some time to come because Of the phe-
nomenon he personified in public affairs.
No fewer than three books, all planned
before his death, are scheduled for early
appearance, in addition to his own MY
First Days in the White House" For
rest Davis has written "Huey Long: A
Candid Biography" Carlton Beals is
revising an earlier book about the
Louisianan, and Herman B. DeutSch is
revamping a biography. Publishers seem
justified by the flood of Long post
mortem printers ink in believing that
interest in the KingfiSh will survive his
disappearance, short as the American
peoples memory is for notables who are
no more.
Gov. Eugene Talma6ge of Georgia now
ranks as the only man likely to attempt
organized opposition to President Roose-
welt within the Democratic party. Belli-
not take Talmadge a tithe as seriously
as they regarded Long, because the
former has not contrived to build him.
self up nationally to any stature approxi-
mating that of the late Share-the- wealth
apostle. The Talmadge threat never
theless will be vigilantly watched by the
nOOSeNcltlhIlS, pdi CACuidlly IL shC SSSAe
ian seeks q third party alliance with
such q man as Gov. Olson of Minnesota
or other radical opponents Of the New
Deal. The more they think about it,
Democratic politicians are inclined to
believe that with the Long menace re-
moved, the Republican party Is the only
thing r. D. r. has to fear in 1886.
+ n 4
Letting of contracts for 23 new war
ships for the United States fleet at O
cost approximating 500 0Oo, 900, denotes
a substantial boost to industrial recovery.
From IS to 90 per cent Of all expenditure
on naval construction goes to wages
for labor in dockyards. Government and
private. From the time keelS are laid
until ships are launched, 1000 workers
have Jobs building an aircraft carrier.
About 1000 are employed on q 10000
ton cruiser, while roundly 500 are needed
for q submarine or destroyer. PERIODS
of employment range from "A to 36
months on these various classes OF vessels.
Insurance money of $3.50 900 has just
been handed over to the Boy Scouts Of
America as part payment for loss in
CURED through cancellation Of their
Washington jamboree. Boys who plan
ned to come here last month will now
get back promptly the $25 deposit each
made to cover his expenses. Deposits
totaled $500 ef which $4,000 has