The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-03-28

his close 1T1GI1QS dUOuG G1lG
but these conversations first &C.
Cured around Christmas time.
And by the time the much de-
bated newspaper story was pub
ished on March 4 quoting the
president as having put his bless
ing on Hull, the President had
pretty much changed his mind.
Furthermore, it is important to
note that what Roosevelt en-
phasized back in his Christmas
conversations was the ease with
which Mr.. Hull could be 1lomin-
ated. He did not take up in any
detail the problem of electing
him.
What Roosevelt pointed out to
his friends was that both conser-
vative and liberal factions Of the
Democratic party approved of
Secretary Hull, that he had alien
ated none of the leaders, and they
would all endorse his nomination.
It would heal party wounds.
SHIFTING SCENE
Since that time, however, some
of RooSevelt's advisers have been
pointing to the fact that 1t is
one thing to nominate Hull and
another to elect him, especially
with the natural tide running to
the Republicans this year. Also,
they point out, Secretary Hull has
some definite political handicaps.
The most obvious of these is
his age. He will be SO this
autumn.
ANOTHER Is the Negro vote,
which might be difficult to rally
for southerner, even though
Mr.. Hull has never shown any
sign of race prejudice. The Re-
publicans are reported to be MAX
ing progress in weaving away the
colored vote, and in close race,
this bloc of votes can swing such
important cities as New York..
Chicago, Philadelphia and Pitts
burgh.
Also there, are MIR. Hull's trade
treaties, which win not help him
i'm the farm belt.
FINALLY, the manner in which
Republicans have been hurrahing
for Cordell Hull has caused a
faint suspicion around the White
House that the COP would like
to see him nominated for rea-
sons all its own.
AL of this adds up to the fact
Roosevelt justisn't as enthusiast
tic about the strategy of Mr.. Hulps
candidacy as he was two months
ago. He still is 100 per cent for
Hull personally, and would work
for him, II nominated, but he has
cooled on the idea that Cordell
is the ideal candidate. y
CAPITAL CHAFF
iva Commissioner Jim Pope
has about decided to try his hand
at going back to his old job as
senator from idaho. Pope, who
was one of the farmers best
friends, could win the Democra-
tic nomination easily, but figures
he would have tough face in
beating Senator Thomas, who sue
ceeded Borah Another ex-
pected senatorial candidate this
time in New Mexico, is Congress- !.
man Jack Dempsey, who has about
decided TO take on Senator Chavez
The latter, with a big group of
relatives on the government pay
roll; is fighting the new Hatch
Bill.
PARDON ME, DUKE!
Barren-beaned Bill Bullitt, U. S.
envoy to France, is one of the ma
tion's. top ambassadors. Also he
Is one of the most nimble-Witted,
During the Washington visit of {
Archduke Otto of Hausburg and
his younger brother Felix, they
were entertained by Bullitt, an
old friend, at q small dinner party
When the time came for the
guests to be seated, 1t developed
that while there were twelve in the
party the table was set for only
ten - and the two missing cards
were for the royal visitors.
While the two young Archdukes
stood ON the side grinning at the
situation, Bullitt, his brow puck
cred, kept repeating: "This GER
tainIy Is funny. I can't figure out
how it happened"
Then swapping his fingers. he
exclaimed. with a broad smile to
the Archdukes: II remember! 4
forgot you boys.
ON A LIMB
AFL President william Green's