Outcome of Poll-Tax Case Is Likely to Affect Future Politics in the State
DALLAS, Texas, Dec. 1—The outcome of the fight for his political life now engaging Mayor Maury Maverick of San Antonio in his trial on charges of illegally paying the poll tax of another person may have far-reaching political effects in Texas.
Not only is voting in any kind of election or primary limited to holders of poll-tax receipts or exemptions, but the law makes it a felony to pay another's poll tax. Even lending money for this purpose is an offense punishable by fine.
The former Representative calls the indictment and trial a "cheap political smear" in an effort to remove him as a factor in local, State and national politics.
Mr. Maverick was defeated for re-election to Congress last year, but came back by defeating the San Antonio political machine to be elected Mayor last Spring.
The fiery Maverick, who wants President Roosevelt for a third term, on several occasions has leveled scathing words at the movement to make Vice President Garner the Democratic nominee. It was rumored recently that Mr. Maverick had been induced to refrain from his criticisms of Mr. Garner by some of his own supporters in San Antonio who are strong for the Vice President. Mr. Maverick still is considered the leader of the Roosevelt third-term movement in Texas.
Possibilities in Case
Friends of the San Antonio Mayor realize the seriousness of his situation. Conviction on the poll tax law indictment could bring a two to five year penitentiary sentence. But they also assert there is the possibility that the whole affair, no matter what its outcome, will make Mr. Maverick a martyr and enhance his stature as a political figure in the State and nation. Some of Mr. Maverick's supporters say his enemies have over-reached themselves in their effort to put him in a political grave.
When Mr. Maverick was elected Mayor there was speculation over his next political step. United States Senator Connally is up for re-election in 1940, and it was thought he might oppose him. Mr. Maverick indicated to friends, however, that he wanted to serve two terms as Mayor of San Antonio before seeking a bigger office.
Of more immediate concern is the part that Mr. Maverick might play in Mr. Garner's home State to prevent Texas from sending a Garner-instructed delegation to the national convention. His availability as a leader of the forces wanting at least an uninstructed delegation undoubtedly would be lessened if he should be convicted of the poll tax law violation.
Not only is voting in any kind of election or primary limited to holders of poll-tax receipts or exemptions, but the law makes it a felony to pay another's poll tax. Even lending money for this purpose is an offense punishable by fine.
The former Representative calls the indictment and trial a "cheap political smear" in an effort to remove him as a factor in local, State and national politics.
Mr. Maverick was defeated for re-election to Congress last year, but came back by defeating the San Antonio political machine to be elected Mayor last Spring.
The fiery Maverick, who wants President Roosevelt for a third term, on several occasions has leveled scathing words at the movement to make Vice President Garner the Democratic nominee. It was rumored recently that Mr. Maverick had been induced to refrain from his criticisms of Mr. Garner by some of his own supporters in San Antonio who are strong for the Vice President. Mr. Maverick still is considered the leader of the Roosevelt third-term movement in Texas.
Possibilities in Case
Friends of the San Antonio Mayor realize the seriousness of his situation. Conviction on the poll tax law indictment could bring a two to five year penitentiary sentence. But they also assert there is the possibility that the whole affair, no matter what its outcome, will make Mr. Maverick a martyr and enhance his stature as a political figure in the State and nation. Some of Mr. Maverick's supporters say his enemies have over-reached themselves in their effort to put him in a political grave.
When Mr. Maverick was elected Mayor there was speculation over his next political step. United States Senator Connally is up for re-election in 1940, and it was thought he might oppose him. Mr. Maverick indicated to friends, however, that he wanted to serve two terms as Mayor of San Antonio before seeking a bigger office.
Of more immediate concern is the part that Mr. Maverick might play in Mr. Garner's home State to prevent Texas from sending a Garner-instructed delegation to the national convention. His availability as a leader of the forces wanting at least an uninstructed delegation undoubtedly would be lessened if he should be convicted of the poll tax law violation.
Walter C. Hornaday, The New York Times, December 3, 1939
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