A Lesson for Dave

Everybody who is anybody in the rich hierarchy of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Chauffeurs, Warehousemen & Helpers knows that tough Dave Beck has been angling for years to take Dan Tobin's throne whenever vain, old (72) King Dan decides to step down.

For a time last week, it looked as if Dave Beck had finally made it. As everybody expected, Uncle Dan made him the union's executive vice president--the crown-princely post which Tobin and Beck created at the last Teamsters' convention (TIME, Aug. 25). Teamster courtiers were sure that this was it; the boys were even trying to figure out who would get Dave's mahogany-paneled office in Seattle, where he rules a Teamster duchy of eleven western states.

Last week, Dave and Dan were in Washington. A newsman went to see them in Dave's orange-&-green suite in the Hotel Statler. The first question, addressed to King Dan: "What will Mr. Beck's duties be now?"

Tobin stood up and roared: "He'll do what I tell him to do. He'll do what the general president wants him to do." At this, Dave tiptoed to a hall door and closed it, lest Dan Tobin's voice be heard all over the Statler's fourth floor.

"He'll do what I tell him to do," Dan continued, "and when the time comes that he doesn't, he'll be reduced back to the status of a vice president. Isn't that so, Dave?"

Beck, who also likes to shout, murmured "Yes, sir."

Tobin roared on: "I've got to have more help. I can't keep track of everything. Dave will relieve me of some of my travel and leg work."

Beck interposed: "Make no mistake about it--Dan is good for general president for at least ten years." Tobin jiggled his ruddy jowls and growled his assent.

It seemed as if Dave would have to wait a while. On second glance, his new title didn't look too good. It reads: "Acting temporary executive vice president."

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