Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-16

been so closely identified with the
administration which was still
handling the subject matters to
which their employment related.
mo fair minded American will
approve such employment under
similar conditions. The policy of
our Government has been well de-
fined by statute. The fact that no
criminal statute covered member
of the Cabinet or the chief counsel
for the Shipping Board is absolutely
immaterial. We are interested in
fair dealing with our Government.
Mr.. McAdoo appeals on. the ground
of fairness and justice. ! would be
interested to hear his explanation of
why he and Mr.. Cotton are. in fair
ness and justice, entitled to these fees
so earned, in the face of the pro-
visions of the following two acts
passed by the Congress of the United
States and sapproved by the l'resi-
dent:
Sec. 100. 1t shall not be lawful for
any person appointed after the LIST day
of June, 1872 as an officer, clerk, or
employee in any of the departments to
act as counsel. attorney, or agent for
prosecuting any claim against the
United States which was pending i'll
either of said departments while he
was such officer. clerk. or employee,
ror in any manner nor by any means
to aid in the prosecution of any such
claim, within two years next after he
shall have ceased to be such officer,
clerk. or employee.
That it shall be unlawful for any
person who. as a commissioned officer
of the Army or officer or employee of
the United States has at any time
since April 6. 1917, been employed in
any bureau Of the Government and in
such employment been engaged on be-
half of the United States in procuring
or seeking to procure supplies for the
Military Establishment, or who has
been engaged in the settlement or adj
justmcnt of contracts or agreements
, for the procurement Of supplies FOR
he Military establishments within
two years after his discharge or other
separation from the service Of the
Government to solicit employment in
, tho presentation or to aid or assist for
compensation in the prosecution of
claims against the United states arts
ing out of any contracts or agreements
for the procurement of supplies for
said bureau which We're pending or
entered into while the said officer or
employee was associated herewith. a
violation of this provision OF this chap
ter shall be punished 10y fine Of not
more than $4,000 or Imprisonment for
not more than one year, or both
(41Stat. 1870.
1.-THE last quoted section, you will
observe. was passed while we were
engaged in the World War. Mr. Me
Adoo was then Secretary of the
Treasury. The law was approved
by President Wilson. Ey what process
of reasoning should it be made Il
crime for n departmental employee
to resign and prosecute claims
against the Government and at the
same time to permit Cabinet
member or chief counsel for the
Shipping Board to pursue n similar
course without condemnation? Are
we quite sure that neither of these
gentlemen come within the provi-
sions of the sections above quoted?
Whether they do or not, does the
American public commend their
| course? Mr.. McAdoo is mistaken if
he thinks the American people are
not interested in this matter. Does
| re contend that it is perfectly
| proper for a member of the Cabinet
| to resign and. during that same ad-
! mnistration share in legal fees. even
should they exceed n million dollars,
while the departmental clerk plr-
| suing q similar course may be fined
| $4,000 and imprisoned for one
Nfar2"