Big Ed Pauley, the onetime oil field mucker who pulled himself into politics "to protect and advance my business operations," knew he was beaten. His good friend Harry Truman also knew that there was no hope ever for Pauley's confirmation as Under Secretary of the Navy.
But Pauley, with the blessing of his good friend, doggedly fought on. The five-week-old hearing of the Senate Naval Affairs Committee had turned into meaningless maneuvering and fiery accusations, but it was still Washington's best show. Last week pink-jowled Harold Ickes, whose earlier performances there had cost him his job as Secretary...
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