Evening star., 1938-08-22

policies of the administration. For
his part, Mr. Lewis has tried to make
1t crystal clear that if he is nomi-
mated and elected to represent Mary
land in the United States Senate, his
vote on any and all questions will be
the personal property of the President
of the United States.
Lewis Earlier Course.
1t is, I think, entirely fair to say
that he has pledged himself, In ad-
vance, not to advocate or vote for the
views or the wishes of the people Of
Maryland. or even his own views for
that matter, but to vote solely and only
for the legislation and policies that
may be proposed by the Chief Execu-
port or character.
1T soon became evident that the
voters of Maryland were not being won
over to Mr.. Lewis by the opportunity
he offered to have Maryland repre-
sented in the Senate by 100 per cent
rubber stamp Senator. At least, it
must have become evident to Mr..
Lewis, to his campaign managers and
to his Washington advisers, for soon
more drastic method of campaign
was adopted. 1t was decided that Mr..
Lewis should have outside help.
1T was decided that the full weight
Of the national administration should
be put behind his candidacy.
"Ohe word purge began to creep
into the Maryland neWspapers-a word
foreign to our ears in our dealings
with each other-a word which we are
accustomed to read only in connection
with stories of wholesale assassination
in foreign countries Over here that
word has been used, so far, only to
convey the idea Of an effort by those
in power to drive out of public Office
those who may have ideas of their own
or those, who for any reason. may not
be willing to surrender their own con-
victions and consciences to the keeping
OF seekers after absolute authority.
"A Maryland purge was discussed
and, according to reports, is about to
take place The first overt act was
a demand for the resignation of the
Federal housing administrator Of the
State of Maryland Next, the Chief
Executive. in public utterances, praised
Mr.. Lewis and made attacks on my
record as United States Senator. He
has invaded Maryland through the
press. Now. it is reported that he will
invade Maryland in person to carry on
this war against me. In the meantime,
it is stated from Mr.. Lewis head
quarters that other Federal officers who
desire to support my candidacy will be
dismissed and their places filled by
persons chosen by my opponent, Mr..
Lewis.
"Of course, the purge is directed
to the elimination of these high Fed
eral officers. The real purpose Of
these threats to leading Federal offi-
cials is to intimidate and terrorize
thousands of citizens Of Maryland who
hold minor positions under these off,
GERS many of whom earn slender SAL
aries upon which they support them
selves and families In other words,
Federal Offices are being used, or are
to be used, to intimidate and coerce
officials to fight me on pain of in
stant dismissal. and the9 reward those
who support Mr.. Lewis
Mr.. Lewis Position.
What is Mr.. Lewis position in the
race OF this invasion of Maryland by
high officials of the Government?
Does he ask them not come in, in
line with his statement of June 16
that he would manage his own cam
paign without the aid or interference
OF the Federal administration? Does
ne say to the Chief Executive and
his advisers: I want to fight this
thing out alone in line with the time
honored custom and traditions of
Maryland? Does he repudiate this
violation of the sovereign will of our
people? Does he defend the rights of
the State he aspires to represent?
What has become of his statement
that he would wage his campaign on