Hobson's Choice

Into Manhattan's Mecca Temple last week crowded several thousand New York City Republicans to pick a party candidate for Mayor. There was only one avowed candidate--Congressman Fiorella H. La Guardia--after Congresswoman Ruth Pratt had withdrawn because she would not "scramble for votes." So, as Hobson's choice, the convention designated Mr. La Guardia to make the race against Tammany's James John Walker.

Republican speakers, including Major General James G. Harbord, President of Radio Corp. and Emory Roy Buckner, one-time U. S. District Attorney, flayed Mayor Walker. Excerpts:

"He has worn. . . the cap and bells of the city jester . . . Jimmy the jester."

"... The most expensive smile in the city's history."

"His four years in city hall represent the Silly Season in American city government."

"A glorified clown. . . ."

"After all, Abie's Irish Rose only ran five years on Broadway. Surely the Walker Follies, which has no plot, cannot hope to equal that record. . . ."

To all of which Tammany Democrats retorted: "What of it? He's a jolly good fellow." Quipped Mayor Walker: "If General Harbord believes all the things he said, why didn't he run for Mayor?"