Evening star., 1934-08-11
DONOVAN DECISION
MAY Be REACHED
WITHOUT JOHNSON
Brief OF N. R. A. Admins.
traitor Rejected When Pre-
sented by Counsel.
DISMISSED OFFICIAL
ADMITS HIS ABSENCE.
Or. Gustav Peck and Former
Labor Member Clash During
Board Hearing.

Unless Gen. Hugh 8. johnson de-
cldea 10 appear in person before the
National Labor Relations Board and
explain why he discharged John L.
Donovan, president OF n r. A. Lodge.
No. 81, American Federation OF Gov
ernment Employees. the case VIII be
decided upon the testimony Of other
witnesses.
Through N r. A counsel, headed
by Garrett Scott, Gen. johnson late
yesterday sought TO present q written
Abatement OF his side of the contro-
verxy. but the brief was rejected by
Lloyd X. Garrison, chairman Of the
Labor Relations Board.
The board is ready 10 heat Gen.
johnson" Garrison said, but viii
place him under no pressure TO ap-
pear. II he does not choose TO ap-
pear within reasonable time, the
toard will settle this case on the tes-
timony presented today"
Labor Heads Clash.
Earlier In the hearing, there was a
clash between Charles Coe, formerly
employed by the Labor Advisory
Board, and DR.. Gustav Peck, the
boards chief OF stan. upon whose
Recommendation Donovan was dis
charged.
Coe asserted he was told by DR..
Peck "just because you are efficient
one day Is no reason why you may not
be inefficient next day"
That's lie" DR.. Peck shouted.
Chairman Garrison raped for or
der and told DR.. Peck he would be
given ample opportunity to explain
his version of just what was said.
Most Of the time was taken up by
Donovan's own testimony, In which
he defended himself from the charges
of ineffciency and characterization,
but admitted he had been absent
without leave on two occasions.
Later. Attorney Scott declared Gen.
johnson would make no point of the
charge OF inefflciency originally made
against Donovan, but would insist
upon considering Donovan's conduct
and activities since his dismissal be-
fore agreeing to take him back.
John A. Finnerty. counsel for
Donovan, asked Garrison to permit
his clients case to remain open
until Gen. johnson definitely decides
whether he will testify.
Meanwhile, Garrison ordered that a
transcript Of all testimony be made
for the board 10 study. He did not
set any time limit for the board to
announce its ruling other than his
declaration he would wait reason
able" time.
Controversy Develops.
Considerable controversy developed
over the time Donovan and a deleea-
tion Of union members called at Gen.
Johnson's office on the day he was
dismissed. They appeared to protest
the dismissal Of Mrs. Nancy Luke, a
stencil cutter. Donovan and other
witnesses claimed they appeared to
MI an appointment. not ON N. r. A.
time, but during their own lunch
period.
Several times Scott ATTEMPTED to
halt Donovan's testimony of his work
in N. r. A, but Garrison insisted that
the board be given the entire back
ground Of the case.
Among other witnesses heard in
Donovan's behalf were Miss Mar
garet Stabler, secretary Of the Labor
Advisory Board, and also secretary
OF the union, and Arthur Higgins,
representing the Brotherhood of
PapermarkerS. who helped neeoti-
ate wage provisions In the paper and
paper pulp code with Donovan.
Both Donovan and johnson agreed
before the hearing to abide by the
boards decision whether he should be
restored to his $3,400-a-year lob.
Meanwhile the Joint Committee for
Unity OF Government Employees has
called meeting TO be held Monday
night at the Ebbitt Hotel to hear a
report on the Donovan case. The
meeting was originally announced for
tonight, but has been postponed to
Q pm. Monday.