The Waterbury Democrat., 1937-07-14

drawn rules will relax and the slate will be wiped clean of previous speeches. The battle will begin again from scratch.
 Had Heart Trouble
 M. B. eolsor, . long-time friend of the senator, said today that Rob- ilison had been suffering from heart trouble for six months and that many of his intimate friends had advised him to slow down.
 Solson said that the senator went to c movie Monday night and asked . friend, Homer Atkins, of Little Rock, to spend the night at the apartment because he was not feel ing well.
 Robinson went to his office yester- day but did not 90 on the senate floor. On advice Of friend, he rec turned home and spent most of the day in bed.
 The quiet Methodist building in which Robinson maintained his apartment was surrounded today with large sedans as distinguished personages called to pay their rec spectS.
 Sen. James F. Byrnes, D., S. C., on leaving the Robinson apartment said Mrs. Robinson, now in Little Rock, had been informed of her hus- bands death by telephone, but had not yet decided whether to come to Washington.
 The death certificate was signed by Col. Harry M. Rutherford, of the army medical corps, Robinson's per- sonal physician who had attended the late leader for many years.
 staunch Roosevelt Backer
 Robinson was the foremost among veteran democratic legislators SUD. porting MT. Rooseveits program. His removal from the senate in the midst Of the court fight not only deprives the president of urgently needed assistance in the senate but catapults the top-heavy democratic majority there into a hot contest over leadership of the upper house. Since the start of the court fight, Robinson had been prominently mentioned as President Roosevelt's Supreme Court appointee to succeed Associate Justice Willis Van DevAr. ter, who resigned in June.
 It was believed probable that Robinson's death would delay out- come of the Judiciary battle. The senate probably will adjourn as soon as 1t convenes today.
 Senators Stunned
 Robinson's death stunned sena- tcHs and representatives who had worked with him for years in con. gress. Whether they opposed or sip- ported him politically, his colleagues respected his political prowess and his ability as leader of the big seri- ate democratic majority.
 Among first to comment on his death was Sen. Burton K. Wheeler, r., Mont, Robinsons bitter foe in the court reorganization battle.
 T deeply regret his passing" Wheeler said. He was . great leader of men,"
 Sen. Alben w. Barkley, d., Ky, assistant floor leader of the senate who took over Robinson's work whenever the majority leader was of the floor, said:
 T am too shocked and grieved to say anything. It Is the greatest loss congress has ever suffered. 1t Is . calamity beyond words"
 Irreparable Loss
 Robinson's chief political opponent In the senate, Republican Leader Charles L. McNary of Oregon, said tho majority leaders death was "an lrreparable loss"
 "Only yesterday" McNary said, T spoke with Senator Robinson and was paired with him in 6 senate vote. Our relations were intimate and always cordial. His passing must have been hastened by the great struggle he made this year for pending legislation. 1t b an irre- parable loss to the administration in its court fight as well as in its general program. The country has lost 6 fine character and @ great leader"
 One of Robinson's closest personal friends, Rep. Lindsay Warren, d., N. O.. was too stunned to comment. He often had accompanied the sen- ate leader on fishing and hunting trips.
 Robinson's 65 years carried him from his birthplace at Little Rock, Ark, on Aug. 26, 1872, to high poli- tical position. He was the demo- cratic candidate for vice-president in 1928.
 Political Career
 Robinson's political career started in the Arkansas assembly in 1894. His rise was rapid. He was elected to congress in 1900. He became the