Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-01-11
Presidents Secretary Has a
Humanitarian, Red Blood
Side.
CASE IN POINT IS TOLD
OF AID FOR AGED MAN
Old Employe Got Fired" for Talk
ing and Then Joseph P.'s
Eyes Burned.
BY W. w. PRICE.

The humanitarian, red-blOod side OF
Joseph P. Tumulty, President Wilson's
live-wire secretary. is the one that his
friends admire as much as other charac-
teristics that make friends for him. 1t
isn't any of that put-on stuff either: none
of that sentimental slush that is handed
out by leading bunk artists in public and
private life who regard 1t as their great
est asset. What Tumulty has is just
natural sympathy with the under dog.
compassion for the down-and-outer and
contempt for the man who prates about
social justice" and doesn't make 1t go
to work in his immediate vicinity.
This manly trait existed long before
Tumulty saw the White House or had
an imagination that he would ever be
there with a President Of the United
States. 1t was born in him along with
his Irish blood. He is not getting up
collection of human derelicts, but If you
want to see him get busy just let him
find out that some poor fellow in the
bottom strata has gotten the worst end
of the deal from a man far above in posi-
ton.
A Case in Point.
Something happened not long ago
that shows his feeling on this par
ticular subject. The facts would not
be known had they not leaked out
through several of those most con-
cerned. An old man, Woodworking and
willing. with a family of four to sup
port and government pay of $1.4O a
day to do it on, felt himself aggrieved
The official under whose supervision
off for a trifling dereliction. left him
with not a penny toward the Christ
mas time, when mems hearts are sup
posed to tighten and look toward CIV
ing assistance to the bearer Of greater
burdens. That S1.4O daily, as it moved
away. looked bigger and bigger. The
old man heard that Secretary Tumuity
had a kindly heart. He sought an In
terview and got 1T. Tumulty lnVesti-
gated and believed in the appeal made
from any other man struggling for q
living for dependent ones He i'm
mediately proceeded to make tnat
mans grievance his own. He wrote a
responsible for the suspension In sub
stance it said: Haven't you any more
feeling for a poor old chap trying 70
support a family on $1.40 a day than TO
take his pay away from MIN, especially
near the Christmas season.?
Got Fired for Talking.
peared in Mr. Tumulty's Office with tears
| in his eyes.
i've been fired for good now" he said
fired for talking too much and for going
| to you over my superior's head"
They say that Joseph P. was really
good to look upon when he heard this.
His ordinarily pink cheeks assumed a
| rich crimson hue. His gentle blue eyes
lighted up. He didn't write any more
letters Connect me with Mr.. at
once" he told the telephone operator
Thereupon the official heard a few things
and was told to call at once for more
He called promptly. The old man was
reinstated and is at work now.
The old worker and his colleagues had
been required to toll all day Christmas
eve while all other employees of the gov
| eminent were having a half holiday
That was another grievance the secretary
! learned about when the official called
after the telephone talk.
There's nothing in the regulations pro-
viding for a half day off for them" the
official asserted
| Nothing in the regulations that give
| these poor devils an equal show with
others at Christmas time?" Mr.. Tumulty
! INQUIRED with fine scorn. christmas is
gone, but how about New Year. Can
| you give them half day Off" The Off
! cial didn't see how it could be done with
out an executive order from President
| Wilson, then in Pass Christian.
Ordered" by the President.
VERY WELL" directed Tumulty. 1.-The
President has ordered it. Do you get
me? He has ordered it, and 1 do not
want 1t questioned"
The official knew the President hadn't
done anything of the kind: but that he
would dc. 1T if the facts were known. The
official saw light and the workers got
their half holiday.
"And just one thing MORE added Mr..
Tumulty. "Why don't you go before the
appropriations committee and recommend
that the pay of these men be increased
from 81 40 day."
II don't see how 1 can do that" said
the official obviously. II certainly
couldn't do 1t unless the head of my
department or the President should favor