Mulrooney for Whalen
Pressed by public dissatisfaction with the handling of the Rothstein murder case (TIME, Dec. 24, 1928), New York City's popular, publicity-loving Mayor James John ("Jimmy") Walker chose not a criminologist but a capable diverter of public opinion to be police commissioner. It was his longtime official greeter of distinguished guests, efficient and immaculate Grover Aloysius ("Gardenia") Whalen, general manager of Wanamaker's Department Store.
Immediately, newsworthy things happened to the police force, topping and eventually extinguishing the Rothstein headlines. Independent of everyone, Commissioner Whalen organized...
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