The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-10-11

washington, Oct. 11.-Jim Farley,
In the opinion of competent observ-
ers and many Of his friends, has ell
minated himself. from serious con-
sideration as q presidential possible
lily in 1910.
He missed the boat when he failed
to ask for the Democratic nomina-
ton was deliberate, for he had
pondered long and many politicians
weren't sure until Governor Lehman
had actually said he would run
again that Farley wouldn't be chosen
the party nominee to oppose Repub.
lican District Attorney Thomas e.
Dewey.
KNOWS
THE SCORE
Farley knows how things 60 In
politics. Parties make presidential
nominees out Of governors, senators
and even cabinet members. But
they don't choose postmasters-gen-
eral, fellows associated in the pop
ular mind with the more sordid
phases of politics because they run
the patronage pie-counter.
A New York governor usually
Is q step from the White House.
Farley, however. apparently shared
prevalent belief that only Lehman
or Senator Wagner could beat
Dewey this year. Last reports that
he considered running died after
IL became sure Dewey would &C
cede to q Republican draft move
ment.
PRESS HUDDLEs
RARE
Farley's friend all believe his
popularity has increased since
he failed to Join In the purge
except in the abortive effort to
beat Senator Tydings In Maryland.
Certainly his press conferences are
the most popular In Washington
and rarest-as was proved the
other day when he had his first In
eight months. He hadn't wanted to
be on the spot during the pri-
rnaries.
His press conferences are re-
markably frank. Most Of what he
says Is "off the record" More than
any other public official he trusts
newspaper correspondents to re-
spect condolences. They do. The
big published story after his re-
cent conference was his promise,
speaking for the Democratic Ma
tional Committee Of which he is
chairman, to support all Demo-
cratic nominees. But the capitals
top-flight correspondents gathered
q lot Of background" about Jim's
views and his inside information
on political events and prospects.
Jim sits under q full life-size
painting Of Benjamin Franklin.
Both men wear brown and have
high foreheads. There resemblance
ends. Five fountain pens rear
before Farley. Two hold green
ink, three black. ''No red ink
here!" Farley insists. He
likes TO reply to questions with
pleasant wise. cracks, get q laugh
and then start answering "But
seriously" Did he know
| PCVpAo oue1uy WoEG CHfiHB INC
truck which may carry q million
dollar Post Office stamp exhibit
around the country ''Farley's
Phaeton"? Really" asked Jim.
"Well. just so long IS they mem
ton my name!" "Can you
hold those ~ seats in PennsyI-
vania?" II don't know, haven't
talked with Joe Guffcy lately"
|. How about probable con-
OCCASIONAL gains and losses? "I
don't know. I don't want to admit
anything" He told how Dan
O'Connell. pudgy, practical up
state New York politician, had sat
on q bed and pleaded with Leh-
man: Remember the great sacri-
flee Washington made at Valley
Forget" -. And to several ques-
tons Lord Jim" answered: IT
never attempt TO speak for anyone
else but myself and the Demo-
cratic National Committee. won't
discuss what the President Is
likely to do"
Copyright, 1888, NEA Service, 1nc.)