Shelf Life

THERE is a rich literature documenting the nobility of public service, but much of it tilts toward statism; public-spirited conservatives and free- marketeers deserve some role models of their own. In his new book, Styles Bridges: Yankee Senator (Phoenix, 270 pp., $24.95), James J. Kiepper obliges, with a marvelous portrait of a conservative who devoted his life to his community. After serving as governor of New Hampshire (1935—37), Bridges represented the state in the U.S. Senate for almost a quarter century—earning the respect of all parties for his combination of strong principle and skill in compromise.

Bridges distinguished himself early in his Senate career with his forceful opposition to FDR’s scheme to pack the Supreme Court. In April 1937—less than four months into his first term—he was tapped by GOP leaders to give a nationwide radio address against the plan. Bridges rose to the occasion, with a stirring appeal to first principles. “True liberals,” he proclaimed, “as opposed to noisy, self-proclaimed liberals, are warning the American people against an encroaching, personal government.” FDR’s measure was a power grab, a move away from the rule of law and toward a centralized rule of men; Bridges helped defeat the president on the issue.

About the Author

Michael Potemra

Michael Potemra was a literary editor for National Review.

Featured Tags

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Court-Packing

Supreme Court

THERE is a rich literature documenting the nobility of public service, but much of it tilts toward statism; public-spirited conservatives and free- marketeers deserve some role models of their own. In his new book, Styles Bridges: Yankee Senator (Phoenix, 270 pp., $24.95), James J. Kiepper obliges, with a marvelous portrait of a conservative who devoted his life to his community. After serving as governor of New Hampshire (1935—37), Bridges represented the state in the U.S. Senate for almost a quarter century—earning the respect of all parties for his combination of strong principle and skill in compromise.

Bridges distinguished himself early in his Senate career with his forceful opposition to FDR’s scheme to pack the Supreme Court. In April 1937—less than four months into his first term—he was tapped by GOP leaders to give a nationwide radio address against the plan. Bridges rose to the occasion, with a stirring appeal to first principles. “True liberals,” he proclaimed, “as opposed to noisy, self-proclaimed liberals, are warning the American people against an encroaching, personal government.” FDR’s measure was a power grab, a move away from the rule of law and toward a centralized rule of men; Bridges helped defeat the president on the issue.