The Key West Citizen

HUGO S. SIMS SAYS:

Mr. William O'Dwyer, now Ambassador to Mexico, and formerly Mayor of New York city, recently testified before the Senate Crime committee at a spectacular, televisioned hearing in that metropolis.

Mr. O'Dwyer was questioned concerning some of his appointments but maintained that he did not know the facts about their connection with some prominent gamblers and big-shot operators.

When asked, in respect to one appointment, whether he could not have found someone who was not related to a reputed gangster, Mr. O'Dwyer replied: "There are things that you have to do politically if you want to get cooperation."

This is a revealing attitude but it reflects the widely current philosophy of some of our leading politicians. By "cooperation" they have in mind the backing of various elements and factions that mean votes at election time.

Mr. O'Dwyer gave expression to another common philosophy of the day when he was asked if he could explain the influence of Frank Costello, admittedly a tycoon of the gambling business. Senator Tobey of New Hampshire, talking about Costello, said:

"It's a funny thing what magnetism the man has. You look him over here and he looks like minus zero. What, in your opinion, is his attraction for these people?"

The former mayor knew the answer. He replied: "Well, whether he's a businessman or a banker or a gangster, his pocketbook is always attractive to people."

These replies by one of the highest officials of the republic reveal the callous attitude of the professional politician, ready to get "cooperation" to retain office, and the unfortunate attitude of many Americans who are ready to accept anybody and anything if there is money tied to the package. Until the two attitudes fail to reflect the current philosophy of office-holders and people, there will not be much chance for better government and there is no use to expect it.