Hannegan made new chairman of Democrats
Unanimously elected to succeed Walker as head of party
By Lyle C. Wilson, United Press staff writer
Washington –
The Democratic National Committee today unanimously elected Robert E. Hannegan of St. Louis as the party’s new chairman to lead the anticipated fourth-term campaign for President Roosevelt.
Mr. Hannegan, now Commissioner of Internal Revenue, was chosen by acclamation after James P. Aylward, Democratic national committeeman from Missouri, had placed him in nomination in a speech which roused the committee to a burst of applause when he referred to Mr. Roosevelt’s election to a fourth term.
Mr. Hannegan succeeds Postmaster General Frank C. Walker in the national chairmanship.
Resigns revenue post
Mr. Aylward began:
When the history of the next campaign is written and we win another presidential election with President Roosevelt for a fourth term–
…when he was interrupted by the committee’s enthusiastic response.
In a brief talk following his election, Mr. Hannegan did not mention the fourth term, but said the party could win this year if members all pulled together.
Hannegan continued:
I am a plain, ordinary, everyday, 100%, straight organization Democrat. I’m not angry at any Democrat. I am very proud to have worked under Jim Farley for years and I don’t think we will ever had another chairman as able as he.
I’m frightened up here, this is the big league for me. I am used to the bush leagues out in the Ozarks.
Immediately after his election, the White House announced Mr. Hannegan’s resignation as Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
Practiced law 15 years
Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr. appointed Assistant Commissioner Harold N. Groves as acting chief of the Internal Revenue Bureau.
Mr. Aylward, in proposing Mr. Hannegan as Mr. Walker’s successor, said that Mr. Hannegan said practiced law for 15 years in St. Louis, had served as chairman of the Democratic City Committee in that city for four years and “under his leadership the Democrats regained control of the city.”
He described Mr. Hannegan as an active, aggressive and progressive” man who “knows politics from the bottom up.”
Tribute paid Walker
Mr. Aylward told fellow committeemen:
You may be sure that he will deal with your problems with honesty and in a very practical way.
While a committee sought Mr. Hannegan to escort him to the platform, members paid tribute to Mr. Walker’s service. Mayor Edward Kelly of Chicago said that he was regretful that Mr. Walker was leaving his post because “I think he is perfectly competent to again lead this party to victory.”
Mrs. Mary T. Norton of New Jersey said that no man was more loyal, patriotic and sincere than Mr. Walker.
Calling the New Deal administration period the “glorious decade,” Mr. Walker said the future demanded the election in 1944 of a President and a Congress who will fearlessly lead the country to victory in war and victory in peace.
Resigning with regret
Democratic leaders here for the meeting generally agreed on making President Roosevelt their nominee again.
Mr. Walker told the committee he was resigning the chairmanship “with genuine regret.” War, he said, had brought fresh problems and a constantly growing volume to the Post Office Department which now requires “the full attention and energy of the Postmaster General.” He asked that there be “no misunderstanding” as to his attitude.