Evening star., 1938-08-06
SHAKEDOWN SEEN
IN FUNDS LETTER
G. O. P. Hits at Democratic
Plea for Money From
U. S. Workers.
BACKGROUND

oAO n InOCND-
Charges that pressure was being
ererted on Government Dorkers to
contribute to Democratic campaign
funds haze been made repeatedly in
the past, but responsible admins
trdtion officials haze repudidted all
such alleged practices, particularly
In the case of w. P. A. employees.
Charging that "shakedown" Of
civil service employees has been started
by the Democratic National Commit
tee to build up campaign funds. the
Republican National Committee today
declared the Civil Service Commis-
sion should now publicly come to the
protection of Federal workers.
A letter reputedly sent to Govern
ment workers by the Democratic COM
mittee said: I'VE have before us this
year a very essential congressional
election which is most vital to the
Democratic administration"
In a statement incorporating the
letter, said to have been sent out over
the signature of Oliver A. Quayle. jr.,
treasurer of the Democratic National
Committee, the Republican commit
tee says that Democratic headquar.
ters is increasing its pressure" on
the workers.
First Letters in June.
Explaining that Mr.. Quayle first
sent out letters in June, the state
ment continues:
Apparently the response was not
encouraging because Mr.. Quayle has
now sent out another letter, marked
personal and more firmly calling on
Federal workers to come across. He
pointed out that the Democratic def
icit had been substantially increased
in recent months. Under civil serv-
ice regulations no Federal employe is
under any obligation whatever to con-
tribute to any political party"
Mr.. Quayle was out of the city to-
day. but on his behalf it was said
that "she never solicits civil service
employees as class" It was con-
ceded, however, that letters might 60
out to civil service workers whose
names had. been furnished national
headquarters as Democrats and fund
prospects.
The solicitation of party funds
among Government workers has been
common practice by Democratic
headquarters since the advent of the
New Deal, with the principal activity
in this direction carried on among the
hundreds who came into service with
political Endorsement. To keep within
the law, the fund requests have gone
to the homes of the workers instead
Of the offices.
Text of Letter.
The text of the second letter said
to have been sent out by Mr.. Quayle
follows:
Several weeks ago inquired If
you would be willing to send in your
usual voluntary contribution at that
time. I advised you that we re-
ported out of the red in February.
but that it was necessary in the last
report to show a deficit, which Of
necessity has been substantially in
creased during the past several months.
I'VE have before us this year very
essential congressional election which
is most vital to the Democratic ad-
ministraiton.
"Your National Committee, there
fore, is charged with q grave re-
sponsibility and gifts are needed to
assure another New Deal victory.
Nov, under the circumstances,
may ask you to lend your assistance
in the interest of the Democratic
party. I will be happy indeed to &C.
cept it personally should you prefer
to call at my Office"