Surrounded by prizefight photographs, kewpie dolls, china figurines, flowers, bronze elephants and tinted photographs of himself, Mayor William Hale Thompson of Chicago spent an active week at his political headquarters in the Hotel Sherman. He was a busy, busy man.
The trial for Anglomania of School Superintendent William McAndrew of Chicago (TIME, Oct. 17 EDUCATION) dragged on. The Mayor's censor of history books, Urbine J. ("Sport") Herrman, heavy-jowled theatre owner and yachtsman, continued to examine the contents of the Chicago Public Library (which Queen Victoria helped build) for pro-British propaganda. Public Librarian Carl B. Boden, President of the American Library Association, quailed before the mayoral authority, fearing for his $11,000 per annum job. But citizens forestalled by injunction a public burning of the books Mr. Herrman "suspected." The press ridiculed "Chicago's Dayton" and called Mayor Thompson "clown," "buffoon," "braying jackass." He did not mind. He had other things to think about.
He sent out invitations to the mayors of 4,200 other cities to come to Chicago and discuss airports, air-mapping.
He had his spokesmen announce that 10,000 people would go to Washington to lobby for the flood control legislation prepared at a conference which Mayor Thompson lately called independently of Federal agencies.
He told about a new pamphlet he was having printed: "Old Glory will still be on the cover, but in addition to that I've put down below it another picture with the international flag flying above Old Glory, with a serpent on it. And the text will say that all blue noses will strive through the League of Nations, the World Court and other instruments for foreign entanglements, to tear our flag down, and that a vote for foreign entanglements is a vote for frequent wars."
He suddenly invented an "America First Foundation" and invited all governors, congressmen and mayors of cities with 20,000 or more population to join—at $10 apiece. Here, for some reason, he experienced a setback. Not everyone accepted, and most who refused published their replies.
Replied Mayor Hoan (Socialist) of Milwaukee: ". . . We are too busy . . . making our local government worthy of respect to indulge in gallery play."
Replied Beloit, Wis.: "Wisconsin's pro-British Conservation Commission protects English pheasants introduced into this State to make our loyal Germans dissatisfied with their spareribs and sauerkraut. In the name of 100% Americans, can't you do something about it? Under your starry banner we will fight for the complete extermination of English pheasants, English sparrows and English bulldogs. Don't let King George buy you off."
Replied Mayor Miller of St. Louis: "I am too busy."
And Mayor Swarthout of Grand Rapids: ". . . Can the blind lead the blind?"
And U. S. Representative Emanuel Celler of New York: ". . . Your anti-British mania has made you ridiculous in the eyes of intelligent people."
This last irritated Mayor Thompson. He retorted to Mr. Celler: "Permit me to suggest that you should not use the word intelligent , over your signature."