Hcmnegcm's Enthusiasm

The White House announced Franklin Roosevelt's next speaking date: Oct. 21, before the nonpartisan Foreign Policy Association, at a dinner in Manhattan's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The announcement quieted a furious buzz of rumors.

For a fortnight the White House had refused to verify any definite Roosevelt speaking engagements beyond the Oct. 5 talk to party workers (see below). But the speech to the Teamsters fired Term IV Chairman Bob Hannegan with almost uncontrollable enthusiasm for the President's oratorical wizardry. Moving in Manhattan's cafe society, zealous Bob Hannegan began to have dazzling ideas about an old-time Roosevelt campaign tour. He made proposals to Democratic bigwigs; he jiggled dates with Madison Square Garden officials. The rumors grew: there might be two speeches in New York City, one in upper New York State, one in Pittsburgh. Chicago began plans for a Roosevelt appearance at Soldier Field. Cleveland dusted its Public Auditorium.

The White House made no announcements. Then last week the New York Times asserted flatly that a White House "ruling" would prevent the President from making any more public appearances. For the next two days the press gnawed excitedly at the question: What "ruling?" A ruling by the President's physician? A ruling by the Secret Service?

A White House press assistant explained that there had been no ruling. Then the press recalled that the Secret Service does not "rule" on the President's activities, nor do White House doctors.

But what everyone really wanted to know was whether or not the President was really going to campaign; and if not, why not? One explanation advanced was that he was "going to do a Lincoln" (the Emancipator, in 1864, made no speeches, did not register nor vote). Another was the state of his health. His physicians appear well satisfied with his general condition; but for the past two years he has worked through more & more days without his accustomed swim, which kept his muscles well-toned. And he has virtually abandoned the uncomfortable braces which make walking possible for him and hold him up while standing.

As the week began it appeared that, while Bob Hannegan had been overenthusiastic about new engagements, the President will make campaign speeches--not from public platforms, but from dining tables equipped with microphones.

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