The Hoover Week

Last March one Ben Kerr, postoffice clerk of Gary, Ind. went to an American Legion meeting, introduced a resolution to cash the Soldier Bonus.* In May Clerk Kerr was discharged because of "political activities" forbidden by the civil service law and "contrary to the expressed wish of the President who considers [Bonus] legislation harmful to the country at this time." Last week President Hoover heard about Clerk Kerr's dismissal. He talked the case over at length with his Cabinet. Then he wrote to Postmaster General Brown: "I have never made any such suggestion as to this or any other public question in its relation to the conduct of Government employes. The fact that they differ with my views does not necessarily constitute 'political activity' under the law which forbids such action. In order that there may be no misunderstanding, I consider that Mr. Kerr should be reinstated in the postoffice service at once." General Brown ordered Clerk Kerr reinstated, though he declared his record disclosed "several serious infractions of the postal laws and regulations." Explained General Brown: "I believe in taking a liberal view. This is a free country."

Clerk Kerr, who now has another job. hesitated about re-entering the postal service even at the invitation of the President of the U. S.

P: The White House elevator broke down. Into the White House grounds drove a repair truck. On the front of it was a plate: "Repeal the 18th Amendment." On the rear a sign read: "Vote for Roosevelt."

P: The President ate his first oysters of the season--a half-dozen Blue Points.

P: Hanford MacNider, Minister to Canada, sent his resignation to the White House. Accepting it, the President declared: "I regret exceedingly that your private affairs make it necessary for you to suspend for the present your contribution to public service." Citizen MacNider hurried to Chicago, volunteered for the Republican campaign.

P: Sept. 15 was announced as the date of the next White House conference on Depression relief. President Hoover will address the National Citizens Committee of the Welfare & Relief Mobilization of 1932, chairmanned by Democrat Newton Diehl Baker, organized to raise funds locally for local relief. Last week the White House was heartened by a statement by William Green, president of the American Federation of Labor: 11,400,000 jobless for August which, for once, showed no increase over the month before. Though progressive unemployment might be checked, Mr. Green warned that next winter will be one of "unthinkable suffering."

--For current Legion activity on the Bonus, see col. 3.

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