National Affairs: Hot Time at the Waxworks

"The lack of music, trumpeting and general fanfare became the subject of official notice today. C. Bascom Slemp, national committeeman from Virginia, broke in on a conference of the Hoover board of strategy today to suggest that something be done. 'Give 'em music,' Slemp pleaded, 'and they'll forget the depression.' "

Thus the New York Times on the Republican Convention of 1932. The Democratic Convention of 1948 was cut on the same pattern.

After the surging crowds, the loud music, the furious trading and the boastful oratory of the Republican Convention, Philadelphia seemed almost shockingly quiet. The Democrats had not come to town...

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