The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1936-04-20
Howe Legend Has
Been Exaggerated
BY RAYMOND CLAPPER

nv ASHlNGION, April 20-Without in any way
w minimizing the deep sense of loss which Pres
ident Roosevelt must feel over the death of Louis
McHenry Howe the legend of Howe as the genius
behind Roosevelt carries, as do most legends some
eXaggeration.
Howe, hard-boled granting was great mo
Man" for his effervescent chief whom he served so
long and faithfully He provided the cynical brakes
of cautious age Beside him. Roosevelt actually IL
years younger appeared the mpulsive adolescent,
spurred by high purpose, riding forth in eager
search for chivalrous deed, be the evil-appearing
object ahead giant windmill. Howe was the short
earthly, shrewd little Sancho Panza, plodding beside
his gallant knight Grant. Roosevelt's impulse is
to say Eyes" Howe's always was to say mo"
81
Anelyze strong institutions and men and you often
will find the secret lines in driving adventurous
personality, with an obscure owlish restraining
gnome perched on the shoulder, close to the ear
of the great man. OF course men have this
cautious stabizer inherent in themselves and in
such cases you have an automatic balance. More
often this trait must be supplied by second person
Leadership consists in positive, not negative quail
ties With great strength goes tremendous vitality
and momentum, and likewise often similar mag
MITIGATION of weaknesses. French philosopher said
it was the prerogative of great men to have great
defects. Or as some one else paraphrased it, great
consists not in absence of defects, but in an
abundance of strength.
60 1t is with Roosevelt The more you study him
~ at close range the more you are impressed-at
least this observer is with his marked strength and
his conspicuous weaknesses. How could he have
rushed so blindy, against the advice of PWA en-
gineers and many others. into the Quoddy tide
Harvesting scheme, without even taking the pre-
caution Of seeking the approval of Congress? Now
you have his inglorious retreat from this impusive
action.
Roosevets record is full of such instances. 1t
has been said frequently that these fumbles have
been more numerous since Howe became seriously
III some months ago. Yet has only to look
at NFA, and other parts of the earlier New Deal
record, to see that there were plenty of mistakes
then. But at that time the country was not so
conscious of them.
Under the sway of Roosevets vast popularity
in his first year. his very faults viewed as
virtues. What now is referred to as his happy
go-ucky air then described as the spirit of
optimism. What now are considered his hit-and-
miss methods then described as the inspired
improvising Of the quarterback, who did not know
what the next play would be, but was sure of his
goal Actions Of President take on the particular
color which the spotlight of public opinion happens
to be hrowing them at the moment Helpful
as Howe was. Roosevelt made mistakes with him and
will make them without him.
WET, so great Is Roosevets strength that in spite
Il Of them, they do not seem to break him down
Republicans less hopeful about the election than
they have been in months. Every poll, every pri-
mary election the private surveys of politicians
agree upon the popularity which Roosevelt holds in
spite Of everything Final proof is the demoraliza-
ton Of the Republicans.
Roosevelt will miss Howe. He has no one else
to whose restraining hand he responds so readily
hs did to Howes But it is a loss of protection
rather than loss of power, for Roosevelt is less
dependent upon others for his motive power than
more unimaginatiye type OF man. such as Cleveland
for instance.