The Press: Timmons for V. P.

Bascom Timmons, Texas-born, became a reporter at 16, managing editor at 20. Lean, long (6 ft. 3½ in.), rangy, an inveterate cigar-chewer, he went to Washington as a friend of John Nance Garner, a correspondent for Jesse Jones’s Houston Chronicle and nine other papers in the South.

Last week, as a representative of the press, Bascom Timmons turned up at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. He was also a delegate from Texas, with one-twelfth vote of his own, absent John Nance Garner’s proxy. One afternoon a group of fellow newsmen, bored with the New Deal’s lumbering steam roller, hired an open car of ancient vintage, trimmed with brass, equipped with a raucous foghorn, and toured the hotel district bearing placards: “Timmons for Vice President.”

Newsman Timmons entered into the fun. He made a speech, declaiming: “If and when I am nominated, I want no one to notify me.” He asked for a baby to kiss. Said he: “I will accept no modest sums as campaign contributions—the smallest will be $5,000,000.” His colleagues hailed him as another Lincoln, pled with onlookers to wire their delegates collect, draft Timmons for Vice President.

It was good fun while it lasted. Three nights later, in the Chicago Stadium, unruly delegates assembled unwillingly to endorse Franklin Roosevelt’s choice for Vice President. While Bascom Timmons shuttled back & forth, perspiring, between the press box and his Texas delegation, there came a commotion on the floor. A delegate from Ohio, Francis Durbin, fought his way through a squad of policemen to the platform. Cried he: “I want to make a speech!” He peeled off his coat, took a drink of water, braced himself at the rostrum.

Said Delegate Durbin: “The only thing I don’t like in Chicago is the Tribune and the Hearst newspapers.” There were cheers and boos. “For God’s sake, Mr. President, if you are listening in, let’s have someone like Jim Farley! . . .” Then Rebel Durbin came to his point: “I have a candidate. I nominate Mr. Bascom Timmons of Texas!”

The Convention gave Newsman Timmons an ovation. Back to his place went Delegate Durbin. When votes were counted, few hours later, Timmons of Texas got one vote for Vice President.