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Show Washington Comment It's a grin; June in these parts. Time was, traditionally, when th month was given over to brides, graduates, and, in presidential election years, to political conventions. conven-tions. But not this June of 1940! Washington has the war jitters bad. Therfe's practically no other topic of conversation; some offices of-fices have had to put up signs reading: "Please do not discuss the war news during business hours", or "This office is too busy for war talk. Why aren't you?" But the Spartan system bogged down Monday during the historic half -hour while Mussolini was declaring de-claring war.' Politics are an afterthought. Seems rather trivial to get excited ex-cited over presidential candidates with such ominous happenings in the world. Secretary Ickes claims that a presidential election in November is a needless expense. He was asked at a press conference confer-ence if he thought a presidential campaign and election was necessary neces-sary in view, of the present situation. situa-tion. He replied that "we might as well call it unanimous and save the money". Secretary Ickes is 1 one of Mr. P.oosevelt's staunchest advocates, of course. He is being mentioned for the portfolio of war. 1 Secretary of Commerce Harrv Hopkins, whose ill health hai kept him out of the spotlight for more than a year, has recently moved to the White House to live. He has slept there since the day : Germany invaded Belgium and I Holland. Reason for his removal ' from his Georgetown home is his health. Mr. Roosevelt is said to want frequent conferences, and to . have him under the same roof will conserve Mr. Hopkins' vitality. I Mr. Hopkins' little daughter, Diana, Di-ana, who has been a White House guest almost continuously since her mothr's death some years : ago, is now living m her father's I home state of Iowa. Another con-' con-' sultant of Mr. Roosevelt,) wham he keeps close at hand, is William H. MeReynolds1, a White House assistant who has been made secretary of the new defense com-! com-! mission. With Mr. Hopkins to aid I in planning and Mr. MeReynolds j in organizing and a host of generals, gen-erals, admirals, economiBts, ' and ! other experts, it looks as though 1 Mr. Roosevelt were pretty thor-' thor-' oughly advised in national defense de-fense operations. j Signs increase that the president's presi-dent's name may be the only ons presented to the Democratic national na-tional convention for top place on jthe 1940 ticket. And Secretary of j State Hull's name is being seri-lously seri-lously linked with his chief on the (Continued on last page) M Washington Comment (Continued from first page) third-term slate to be his running mate. In the opinion of observers, observ-ers, the question is whether Mr. Roosevelt would prefer to keep Secretary Hull at the state department de-partment helm during the troublous troub-lous days ahead, or whether Mr. Hull himself would be willing to relinquish his important portfolio for the practical oblivion of the vice-presidency. With Mr. Roosevelt believed about to take active steps to has- i ten his legislative program and bring about speedy congressional adjournment; and the Republicans, Republi-cans, on the other hand, advocating advocat-ing the necessity of remaining in session throughout the summer because of the war menace and the defense plans, Capitol hill is the focus of all eyes these early June days. Whether congress adjourns before be-fore the Republican convention or only recesses, plans are going ahead for the G. O. P. cohorts to assemble in the City of Brotherly Love long before the auditorium doors open. All around Washington bags are being packed with everything every-thing except the toothbrush; hotel accomodations in Philly "just aint" for the period of the convention; con-vention; even some of the "big shots" have been unable to secure quarters. The arrangements committee com-mittee is already on the scene to try out scores of ideas to entertain enter-tain and inspire delegates and visitors. One "idea" to suspend a two-ton model of the Liberty bell over the convention hall stage was voted down; too suggestive sug-gestive of the Sword of Damocles, and besides, it would cost $50,000. A mechanical elephant was offered offer-ed in a 12-feet-high edition, powered by a four-cylinder engine, as a lucky symbol; when a stern committee said "No", somebody popped up with the bright suggestion sug-gestion of a live elephant. The "No" being adamant, an entertainer enter-tainer offered to impersonate Mr. Roosevelt for $200. Again, no dice. The convention has made up its mind to be dignified. Wanna bet? |