GOP gains send Democrats rushing back to Roosevelt
Willing to forgive and forget, they concede President is only hope of November success
Washington –
The effect of a fear psychosis is illustrated in the attitude of Democratic leaders who have gathered here to plan their National Convention and to celebrate Jackson Day at dinner tonight.
They are somberly reflecting the constant succession of Republican by-election victories. Gone is the buoyancy of old.
In their fear they are rushing pell-mell to President Roosevelt as their only possible hope of success in November, with a “Save u “ gesture. They are ready to forget and forgive.
Glibly they predict that the President will run again.
‘Revolution’ fizzles
The lion-to-lamb transformation was symbolized in the fizzle of the one-man revolution plotted by National Committeeman James C. Quigley when he faced reporters who had listened to him blowing hot and heavy for several days about the revolt he was engineering among Midwestern members – about Secretary of Agriculture Wickard and farm policy, about lack of recognition in patronage for the regular organization.
He sat at the head of the table, among the remains of the luncheon consumed by the supposed “revolters” from a dozen Midwestern and Northwestern states. Chagrin overspread his round face. The fire was gone from his eyes.
Meeting in complete unity
This committee, Mr. Quigley said, had been delegated to–
Eyes were alert. Pencils poised.
“– meet the press.”
Anti-climax.
The meeting, he said, was “in complete unity.”
Pencils dropped.
They had adopted a resolution unanimously.
Once more attention.
Mr. Quigley read it.
It declared for a fourth term for President Roosevelt and for the election of Robert E. Hannegan of Missouri as new national chairman to succeed Frank C. Walker, who is retiring.
Still against Wickard
Several questions were popped at once. All right, but what had happened to the advertised revolt? How about Secretary Wickard?
Lamely, Mr. Quigley said he was still against him personally, wanted his ousted from the Cabinet, but this question was not before the conference. It was learned later that Mr. Wickard had not even been mentioned at the closed luncheon session.