Tail-of-the-Ticket

They sat up late in the Tammany headquarters, arguing it now this way and now that, with Boss Olvaney and other Tammanyites as polite judges. But there was only one "logical" candidate and eventually all were agreed. They could not have Senator Barkley of Kentucky because he had made speeches for Anti-Saloon League pay. They could not have Representative Hull of Tennessee for a similar reason. Evans Woollen, Indiana banker, was too little known. White-crested Senator Reed of Missouri scarcely figured; he had been so vociferously eager. William Randolph Hearst had sent a message recommending Major George L. Berry of Tennessee. But, good man though Major Berry was, no word from Mr. Hearst would bear weight at a Smith-controlled convention. Besides, though Mr. Hearst said, "I do not know anything about the political considerations at Houston," it was understood why he was so kind to Major Berry. The latter is president of the International Pressmen's Union and Mr. Hearst publishes 24 newspapers, 11 magazines.

The outcome was as clearly foreseeable as the Smith nomination and on the first ballot, over he went--Joseph Taylor Robinson, Arkansan leader of the Senate Democrats, for Vice President of the U. S. He received more than 800 votes (733 1/3 were necessary to nominate) before the "switches" began. Final results: Robinson, 1,035 1/6; Major-General Henry T. Allen (Kentucky), 21; Major George L. Berry (Tennessee), 11 1/2; Governor Dan Moody (Texas), 9 2/3; Senator Alben W. Barkley (Kentucky), 9; Senator Duncan U. Fletcher (Florida), 7; Mrs. Nellie Tayloe Ross (Wyoming), 2; Lewis G. Stevenson (Illinois), 2; Evans Woollen (Indiana), 2; not voting, 1.

The "logic" of the Robinson nomination was, of course: that he is Dry, Methodist, Southern; that he matches Nominee Curtis for attracting the farm vote; that his nomination was endorsed by most Democratic Senators, potent in their home territories; that his warm, rugged personality and impressive party record bolster the ticket.

Nominees Smith and Robinson exchanged congratulations. Each recalled campaigning together for Cox in 1920. Nominee Robinson proceeded to his home in Little Rock, Ark.

The Robinson record in politics dates from 1894, when he entered the Arkansas Legislature. He had just been graduated in law from the University of Virginia and had started practicing in his native shack town of Lonoke, Ark. In 1902 he "talked his way" into Congress, serving five terms in the House. In 1913, he resigned from Congress to be inaugurated as Governor of Arkansas. A fortnight later, Senator Jeff Davis* died and Governor Robinson was elected to replace him.

Aged 55, Senator Robinson retains his drawl and heartiness. His fists are big, his temper quick. Four years ago, during a golf course argument, he punched down another player (one Dr. James F. Mitchell of Washington, D. C.) and had to be suspended from the Chevy Chase Club. Senate Democrats respect his courage and vocabulary. Latest to be whipped into order was Alabama's ponderous Heflin, who challenged Senator Robinson's leadership during one of his Pope-baiting tirades (TIME, Jan. 30).

As tail-of-the-ticket, Nominee Robinson will not wag the ticket. But he started wagging for it at once. "I expect to have a lot of fun along about September with my old friend, Charley Curtis," he said. "I reckon my trail will cut his now and then as we go around campaigning."

*No relative of President Jefferson Davis of the Confederate States.