The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1938-04-15
SENATOR HOLT REPLIES
TO A CITIZENS LETTER
Opposes Executive ReOrganiza-
ton Bill Since Killed by the
House of Representatives


am in receipt of your letter
IN which you object to the state
ment made by the President of
the United States about the pro
tests against the passage of the
Executive Reorganization Bill.
know that you supported the
President in 1882 and in 1886.
l know that you are a Demo
crat. | know that you have
been supporter of most of the
administration policies.
do not blame you for object
ing to the Presidents statement
that your telegram, as we'll as
other wires, were sent through
misrepresentation and were in
Splred by some sinister influence
The attitude of those in con-
troll of the administration pro-
gram that the Individual citizen
OF America have no right to pro-
test is a dangerous straw in
the wind" 1t was so important
to the men who founded this
government that they wrote in
to the Constitution the right.
The fear that has been instill-
ed is bad for democracy. In
dividuals write to me in opposi-
ton to the Legislation and then
caution me not to mention their
names for fear of punishment.
This is true of other Senators.
Has it come to the place in this
country that has always been the
pride of those who believed in
freedom that citizens fear to
exercise t h e'If constitutional
rights?
AS you state, there seems to
be no objection to the pressure
from those who favor legislation
sponsored by the administration.
The point that you make that
the committees ignore investi-
eating pressure from the
White House is well taken.
| knou that your telegram as
many other kilograms came
from individuals who have the
greatest love for our country.
| know that the inspiration for
those kilograms was the desire
to protect our government and
to do something that you believ-
ed to be for the best iterests of
the people.
You paid for your telegram.
The pressure for the passage of
the bill was paid for our of the
public treasury. and you will
have to pay part of that. You
will have to pay for the needless
expenditure of money that has
been spent to please administra-
tive supporters.
The right to petition is yours.
Use it. Nothing will do more
to carry out the wishes of the
people than constantly keeping
in touch with the action of your
and expressing your
or disapproval Of the
action. A man who fears the
right of petition is not a believer
in the principle of democracy.
BY writing your representa-
i've in Washington, you will
contribute Your share to max
mo this n better government.
Don't fear the attack upon
your constitutional right. Exer-
i've it freely. The pressure here |
s to take the power away from |
he people IT is your duty and |
he duty Of all other good Ameri-
an citizens to exert your inhuen
e to see that the power that
S yours will not be further re-
n owed from your control
Trough usurpation and deIega-
ion.
] believe in your right to
etition. / believe in the right
t all others TO petition. ANY
IAN who will try to take that
'ght away from you is opposing
omocracv.
This is your country. This is
our government. It is not lust !
10 government Of those elect I
! to office. Your rioht is Just /
sacred as their right. I