Evening star., 1939-08-02

QpptytHg OHty 10 ClUu SET UtCe eH-
ployeS. Measure 1Uent to White
House July 21, receiuing unusually
close study By President and his
advisers.
By the Associated Press.
President Roosevelt signed into
law today the Hatch bill regulating
political activity of most Federal
employees but told Congress en-
phatically the American people
would not stand for its enforcement
as a gag act"
The Chief Executive said he was
taking the unusual action of send
ing a message to Congress explain
ing his position because there had
been so many Misrepresentation
of his attitude, which he set out in
these words:
1T is because for so many years
have striven in public life and in
private life for decency in political
campaigns, both on the part of Gov
eminent servants, of candidates, of
newspapers, of corporations and of
individuals, that 1 regard this new
legislation as at least step in the
right direction
Mr.. Roosevelt recommended that
Congress study next. session eXten-
sion of the measure to cover State
and local government employees who
participate actively in Federal elec-
tions." The study should be un-
dertaken, he said, with view to
broadening the act before the 1910
election.
The President said Attorney Gen.
eral Murphy had called his atten-
tion to a practical difficulty which
should be corrected by additional
legislation as soon as possible"
For many years." the message
said, there has been an exception
to the civil service regulation where
by employees permanently residing
in the District of Columbia or in
municipalities adjacent thereto may
become candidates for or hold mu-
nicipal Office in their municipali-
ties. This and a few similar eXcep-
tions should, believe, be main
tanned"
Will Serve Intender Purposes.
Regarding application of the law,
one of the broadest pieces of politi-
cal regulatory legislation ever en-
acted, which was sponsored by Sem
ator Hatch, Democrat, of New Mex
leo, Mr.. Roosevelt said that "if the
bill is administered in accord with
its spirit, and if it is in the future
administered without abuse, oppreS-
sion or groundless fear, it will serve
the purpose intended by the Con-
gress."
He enumerated then long list of
actions which Federal employees
could, in his opinion, take without
jeopardizing their positions under
the law. Among these were volun-
tary political contributions, speeches
and attendance at meetings.
Noting that policy making Fed
eral officials and members of Con-
gress are exempted, the President
said it would hardly be fair to per-
init these groups, or newspapers,
magazines or radio broadcasters to
make political attacks on persons
covered by the law without permit
ting replies.
That, I repeat would be un-
American, because it would be un-
fair" he said, and the great mass
of Americans like fair play and in
sist on it. They do not stand for
any gag act"
1T is, therefore, my considered
opinion, in which the Attorney Gen.
eral of the United States joins me,
that all Federal employees, from the
highest to the lowest, have the right
publicly to answer any attack or
Misrepresentation, provided, of
course, they do not make such reply
as part of active participation in
political campaigns
Welcomed by Proponents.
The measure was welcomed by its
proponements as taking politics out
of relief and affording a general
political housekeeping.
Senator Hatch said "Of course,
I'm deeply gratified," when in
formed the President had signed
the bill
MY hope he declared, sis that
the elimination of patronage ap-
pointees from political activities will
lead to a greater interest and to
more activity in the entire political
field by the great mass of American
citizens generally
The new law makes it illegal:
For any person to intimidate or
coerce any other person with the
intention of interfering in a ma
tional election.
For any person to use authority
as Federal official to interfere with
or affect presidential or congress
sional nominations and elections.
To promise jobs or payment In
exchange for votes.
To solicit or receive political funds
from relief clients.
10 furnish for political purposes