Evening star., 1935-10-11

A similar development was noted by
the boys at the political switches here
when Huey's national Notwithstanding
organizer, Rev. G. L. X. Smith, en-
trained for another State after Long
died. 1t Is hardly O disclosure to say
that the other Long leaders do not
care much for Mr.. Smith. They have
made no secret of it.
What is less obpious but equally
true is that teto Of the Long lead
ers are, after all, extreme Uedlth-
sharers at heart. Apparently they
intend also to ditch that phase OF
the increment as quietly as pos
sible.
There is one exception, the short
term candidate for Longs senatorial
toga, Wade Marlin. He will not be
able to do much, however, because
even his colleague, Senator Overton,
has been known to cross his fingers
frequently while hearing Longs ex-
treme views on that subject.
Regime Crumbling.
You may naturally wonder why the
32-caliber big shots remaining in the
Long crowd are so willing to share
their Inheritance.
The ansUer, as oiuen BY sound
political authorities here, is that
the Long regime pds crumblino
from iDithin at the time he died.
Otherwise there would have been
no need for him to pass such
measures as the stringent election
law. II he iDas as strong as for
n1erly. he could haze tpon Without
such dangerous steps.
Furthermore, there was a real live
possibility Of q musket revolution
against the Long government, and
there still is, unless the worst fea-
lures of 1t are abolished, and democ-
racy restored.
Quarreling Self Apart.
All this means it makes little ma
terial difference how soon the Long
organization quarrels itself apart. The
quarreling Is only post-morLeM
symptom and not the real dictatorial
disease Of which the patient has al
ready died.
1t is true they started arguing
among themselves on the steps of
the hospital within IS minutes after
Long tDas shot. They had a fairly
good fight started before his body
Uds cold. Lately it has been
patched up, and they may keep it
patched for a whtle.
But the opposition draws few
praises here for political acumen or
efficiency. Some Of its friends doubt
its ability to do much more than
make q few inroads at the coming
January election.
The best guess Is that the Long
outfit will stay together for probably
year or longer in his name but not
in his spirit.
Provisions.
One Of Huey's closest associates
came to him on his deathbed and
said substantially this:
you have often told me that you
have made ample arrangements to
care for your family. But no one
knows how. I suggest you tell me
now in case anything happens to you"
Huey did not answer, but turned to
his doctor then or later and asked
whether death was imminent. The
physician apparently was unwilling
~ a.
the patient and replied in the mega
tive. Huey asked how long before he
would be up. The physician guessed
1t would be two weeks in bed and
probably two weeks more in the
hospital.
Then I can make speech within
month";" Huey observed somewhat
mysteriously. He died without answer
ing the question.
Amount Of Longs Wealth.
There is q popular suspicion that
Long was wealthy, that he had money
hidden away, probably in New York.
His intimates doubt that he had very
much. His idea Of money was that
of any poor hill-billy who suddenly
finds limitless avenues Of more money
opened to him. He liked to spend on
clothes, and neckties, but he never
carried any money In his pocket.
When he needed some. ne telephoned
his good friend, q local business man,
and said: Send over five hundred"
He never paid . check himself.
Once, during q campaign trip,
he iods handed a contribution OF
$1,000 in small bills. He tossed
these into his strau hat and
handed the hat TO a henchman.
The befuddIed henchm1n urapped