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Secretary Early's explanation: "... A policeman appears to have been hurt. . . . I did not attack or kick any officer. But since one officer believes I was responsible for hurting him, I wish to apologize. . . . I cannot understand why Republican politicians are attempting to find political significance in this incident. . . ."
Secretary Early was not on the campaign train when President Roosevelt started out again. Dejected, inconsolable, Steve Early gloomed in Washington, fearful that he might have cost his boss the election. Besides committing a first-rate political blunder, he had misbehaved in a way no decent citizen should. But for once newsmen were sorry for him, blaming it all on his hot temper.
Meanwhile Fisticuffer Joe Louis, campaigning for Willkie, paid a call of condolence on Patrolman Sloan. Shocked was Louis to hear Sloan announce that he would vote for Roosevelt anyhow.
*The pro-New Deal New York, Post first said that the officer had been kicked "by a well-dressed man," later editorialized that if Steve Early was guilty, Steve Early must face the charge of assault.