Henry J. Latham, R.I.P.

There was a time, before Nelson Rockefeller became governor in 1958 and began his domination of the Republican Party of New York, that the Empire State was rich in conservative office-holders and leadership-notably in its U.S. House delegation. Ranging from Republican Representatives Hamilton Fish, Sr. (1920-44) of Duchess County to Frank Becker (1952-64) of Long Island, New York had its conservative contingent, and even liberal GOP Gov. (1942-54) and two-time presidential candidate Thomas E. Dewey could not keep its members down.

That political era of long ago was recalled by New York conservatives on June 26, when one of their heroes on the right died. For 14 years, Henry Jepsen Latham was one of that sturdy band of congressional conservatives from a state in which they were a clear minority.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, Latham earned degrees from St. John's University and Brooklyn Law School. Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1940, he left after one term to serve in the Navy in World War II. While on duty in the Pacific, Latham was elected to the U.S. House in absentia. His victory reportedly inspired the character of Navy Lt.-turned-Congressman "Mac McCann," portrayed by Ray Walston in the movie Kiss Them For Me.

A member of the House Armed Services Committee, Latham was a strong advocate of strengthening the Pentagon and for arming Taiwan as a means of keeping Red China in check. Without resigning from Congress, Latham briefly went back into the Navy during the Korean War.

In 1958, Latham won election to the state supreme court and then to the court of appeals, New York's highest court. He retired in 1970. Recalling his stint as Latham's law clerk, current General Services Administration Inspector General Dan Levinson told me, "He was the last conservative congressman from Queens, one of the last true conservatives from New York City, a true man of the law, and a gentleman." Latham was 93.

Mr. Gizzi, political editor of HUMAN EVENTS, welcomes political intelligence from subscribers on campaigns and issues at the local and state level. Though he cannot reply to all correspondents, we appreciate your contributions.

Write: One Massachusetts Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 Voice mail: 202-216-0601 ext. 431 or e-mail: jgizzi@eaglepub.com

Copyright Human Events Publishing, Inc. Jul 15, 2002
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