America 1929: John F. Kennedy, the Great Writer

The march lasted for a full day.

By evening, thousands of people were still gathered in the city hall square. They lit torches and shouted slogans in the cold wind, refusing to leave.

The police chief called Walker to ask if it was necessary to use force to disperse the crowd.

Walker hesitated for a long time, but ultimately refused.

He knew what tomorrow's newspapers would portray him as if the police laid a hand on unemployed workers. That would be the end of his political career.

Walker said wearily, "Let them shout, as long as they don't come in."

But he knew in his heart that this was only a temporary measure. The real crisis was yet to come.

The next morning, the front page headline of The New York World was "Thousands of unemployed workers surround City Hall, demanding a response from the mayor."

The article provides a detailed account of the march and quotes several participants.

An unemployed steelworker said, "I'm not here to cause trouble. I just want a job to support my family. But the money the mayor spent at the nightclub is enough to feed my whole family for a year."

The New Yorker quickly published a cartoon:

A big-nosed gentleman in a suit buried his head in a lady's arms.

The accompanying text explained: This image is not implying anything about anyone.

More newspapers followed suit, raking in a huge amount of traffic from the Walker scandal.

Arthur sat at his desk, flipping through the newspapers one by one.

Isabella walked in carrying coffee, smiling, and said, "You seem very satisfied."

Arthur smiled and nodded. Seeing Walker in trouble was a real treat, but it was a pity he couldn't get involved.

Just then, the phone rang.

Isabella answered the phone, listened for a few moments, then covered the receiver and said to Arthur, "It's Mr. Samuel Sibyl."

Arthur answered the phone: "Good morning, Mr. Samuel."

Samuel's voice sounded excited:

"Good morning, Arthur. I have good news for you. Last night, the state legislature held an emergency meeting. Governor Roosevelt proposed a motion to expand the scope of the investigation by the committee I lead."

Arthur's heart skipped a beat: "To what extent?"

Samuel said:

"Originally, the committee was only responsible for investigating corruption in the court system, but now the scope of the investigation will be expanded to the entire municipal system, including the mayor's office, various municipal departments, and business transactions related to the municipal government."

Arthur knew exactly what this meant.

This means that Roosevelt was going to get serious about the Tammany Society.

Samuel continued:

"The state legislature passed it by an overwhelming majority. Republicans voted unanimously, and reformists within the Democratic Party also voted in favor. Only a small number of staunch supporters of the Tammany Association voted against it."

Arthur could picture that scene.

Under the dual pressure of the economic crisis and public protests, even the Tammany Association's allies dared not openly side with Walker.

Arthur said, "That's good news, but you called to tell me more than just this, didn't you?"

Samuel laughed:

"You're very smart. Indeed, I have something else to tell you. Governor Roosevelt proposed in his motion that the investigative committee need to add some special advisors to help us understand and analyze those complex acts of corruption."

"Special advisor?"

"Yes. A special position created to meet the need for public oversight."

Arthur suddenly understood: "You mean..."

Samuel continued, "That's right, the state legislature passed a list last night with five names on it. Your name is first."

Arthur remained silent for a few seconds.

The appointment came suddenly, yet it was also expected.

From Roosevelt's sudden appearance at the performance to today's appointment, Roosevelt was clearly orchestrating a grand spectacle.

And Arthur appears to be the key figure in this plan.

Arthur continued, "What do I need to do?"

"First, you need to formally accept this appointment. There will be a brief appointment ceremony tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol. Governor Roosevelt will be in attendance," Samuel explained.

"and then?"

Samuel said, "Then you can start working. You'll have access to all the files in the city and county courts, including that defamation case that was 'dismissed'."

Arthur knew that Samuel was referring to the case he and Isabella were suing The New York Daily.

"I accept. I'll be there on time at ten o'clock tomorrow." Arthur readily agreed.

After hanging up the phone, Arthur turned to look at Isabella, who had clearly heard the conversation and had a complex expression on her face.

Isabella asked, "Are you really going to accept this appointment?"

Arthur nodded and said, "I have to accept it. This is an opportunity, a real chance to change things."

"But it's also very dangerous. You'll become the Tammoni Society's number one enemy," Isabella said with some concern.

Arthur laughed. "I already am. I've been since I wrote my first article."

Isabella was silent for a moment, then said:

"Then I'll go with you. I'll go with you to the state capitol for the appointment ceremony. Also, I can get a lawyer to access those files."

Arthur looked at her, a warm feeling welling up inside him.

"Thank you," he said.

The news spread quickly.

In the afternoon, The New York Times published a special edition with the headline "State legislature expands corruption investigation, appoints five special advisors."

The article lists the names of five people:

Arthur Kennedy, a columnist for the New York Herald, has been one of the most talked-about journalists in New York for the past two months.

William Allen White, editor of the Emporia Gazette, was one of Kansas’s most respected journalists, known for his morally powerful editorials that critiqued political extremism and social injustice.

John Dewey, professor of philosophy at Columbia University, was a leading figure in American pragmatism and progressive education.

Frances Perkins, New York State Commissioner for Industry, was the first woman in the United States to hold a state cabinet-level position and has long been dedicated to improving labor safety and rights.

Ralph Pritzker, a member of the Pritzker family, is the head of the New York World.

This is an impressive list. And Arthur, the youngest of them all, is ranked first.

In response, the New York Mirror ran a more direct headline: "Franklin Roosevelt declares war on Jimmy Walker."

It has the pioneering spirit of clickbait headlines.

The article specifically mentions Arthur's appointment.

Of particular note is the appointment of Arthur Kennedy. This young columnist has touched the hearts of all of New York with his pen over the past two months.

Now, he will have access to city government archives. One can imagine what kind of articles he will write. Some people should be nervous.