Evening star., 1939-12-03

organized. Another time he gave statis-
tics on costs of sessions Of the Legisla-
ture.
Critics have described his talks as in
f1ammatory and conveying government
intelligence that elementary school
pupils learn in civics classes.
The principal thing the world needs
generally is more prayer and religion,
the governor says over and over; and at
the conclusion of each Sunday broadcast
he and members of his family drive to
a town within radius of 100 miles of
crowds always jam the church. On oc-
casion he makes brief pulpit talks.
Appointed Pastor to Post.
To the directorate of the new Public
Welfare Department of Government,
ODaniel named the pastor of his Austin
church, the Rev. DR.. M. E. Sadler
Something very new in gubernatorial
policy has been ODaniel's granting 30
day reprieves to every criminal con-
demned to death. He is opposed to capi-
tai punishment and 3O-day reprieve is
the limit of clemency he can authorize
without the consent of State Board of
Pardons
One of the biggest uproars in his ad-
ministration resulted from his first re-
prieve, to Negro murderer. ODaniel
said he wanted the man to experience
the agony of facing death for 80 days.
The statement was made in writing.
When it was printed many people did
not believe he had been quoted correctly
and said so, A storm of editorial, judi
cial and other criticism descended on
him. He explained he made the state
ment to bring home to people the horror
of capital punishment, but repercussions
still are heard occasionally
The governor holds no press confer
ences. as former governors did News
papers, he claims In his radio talks, are
not accurate and treat him unfairly.
Some of his most important actions are
announced over the radio first and then
made available to newspapers. How
ever, correspondents have ready access
to his secretary. and to the governor
after delays. They obtain worthwhile
news of the executive department in one
way and another.
Press Answers.
With regard to his press accusations,
answers have been made by members
Of the Legislature, editorial writer's and
others that his activities and statements
have been reported accurately fairly,
and that he merely has been resentful
because Of the light of publicity thrown
upon him.
ODaniel works long hours in his Office
and at the mansion. He has no recrea-
tions or hobbies, he maintains; he plays
no games and seldom goes to the movies.
He has written few rhymes since he be-
came Governor, in contrast to the
years when he was private citizen.
So far he has shown no interest in
national politics, and he can hardly be
said to know Vice President John N.
Garner, whose home at Uvalde is only
$50 miles from Austin. He and Garner
met casually one time in Fort Worth,
ODaniel's home, before O'Daniel en-
tered politics. They have not seen each
other since ODaniel won the governor
ship.
Another Race Forecast.
Speculation as to his intentions toward
a second term of two years already is
rising, and the consensus is that he will
run again next summer. His current
term expires in January, 1941.
Opinion seems general that he will be
a very hard man to defeat Undoubtedly
he is at this time the gubernatorial best
bet. His greatest strength, most observ-
ers say, rests on the belief among the
masses of people that he is a good,
honest, religious man trying to do his
best.
Ernest o. Thompson, member Of the
Texas Railroad Commission and chair
man of the Interstate Oil Compact Com
mission, is expected to be principal op-
ponent If ODaniel tries for reelection.
Thompson was runnerup last year.
Former Attorney General William
McCraw. who trailed Thompson in that
contest, may run again, and the present
attorney general, Gerald c. Mann, for
mer football star at Southern Methodist
University. may throw his hat In the
ring.