What They Said

Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn spoke for thousands on one side of the question: "We must never give up that the military is subject to and under control of the civilian administration." Indiana's Republican Senator William Jenner reflected the reaction of thousands who took the other side: "Our only choice is to impeach President Truman." But beyond, between and around these two predictable reactions were some noteworthy variations. Examples:

Senator Paul H. Douglas, Democrat of Illinois. "General MacArthur has been a brave and skillful soldier and has done an excellent job in Japan ... It is nevertheless true in our democracy 1) that military commanders should ultimately be subordinate to the civil authorities and 2) that a general should not go over the head of the Commander in Chief in an appeal to the people or an opposition political party."

Representative James P. Devereux, Republican of Maryland, Marine hero of Wake Island. "As an old soldier, General MacArthur knew that there was a possibility that he would be relieved of command if he spoke out . . . There are times, however, when, in the best interests of our country, it behooves a person of MacArthur's stature to voice his opinion . . ."

General Dwight D. Eisenhower. "When you put on a uniform, there are certain inhibitions which you accept. I hope [General MacArthur] will not return to the United States and become a controversial figure. I would not like to see acrimony."

Air Force General Carl Spaatz (ret.) : "Sometimes I wonder if soldiers or politicians are better able to take care of our affairs."

Senator Richard M. Nixon, Republican of California: "President Truman has given them just what they were after--MacArthur's scalp."

Auto Workers' President Walter P. Reuther: "The policy advocated by MacArthur, carried to its logical conclusion, would expand the Korean military operation into a total third war . . ."

Senator Kenneth S. Wherry, Republican Floor Leader: "Compare the monumental record of General MacArthur with that of his accusers--with their record of moral decay, greed, corruption and confusion . . ."

Herbert Hoover: "A strong pillar in our Asian defense has been removed."

Senator Hubert H. Humphrey, Democrat of Minnesota: "We cannot have two policies. That is axiomatic. It was MacArthur's obligation to stay within that policy or resign his commission."

Captain Eddie Rickenbacker: "It's a tragic thing to have happen at a time like this to one of the greatest soldier-statesmen America has ever had."

Governor Thomas E. Dewey: "His dismissal by the President is the culmination of disastrous failure of leadership in Washington."

Senator James H. Duff, Republican of Pennsylvania: "If dismissal was the only way to accomplish unity, then it had to be done ... To permit a continuous dispute as to authority and military policy at this most critical juncture in our history is unthinkable."

Eleanor Roosevelt: "I do not think a general should make policies."

Socialist Norman Thomas: "If MacArthur had his way, not one Asian would have believed the U.S. has a civilian government . . ."

Senator Irving M. Ives, Republican of New York. "Whether or not it was provoked, it was the worst way to handle a national hero."

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