Evening star., 1939-08-05
Two in Pennsylvania
Protest Murphy's
Hatch Act Ruling
Soy They Will Be Unable
To Withdrew From
Campaign Now

Campaign Now
Protests came today from two
Federal attorneys in Pennsylvania
against Attorney General Murphy &
ruling that under the Hatch Law
they cannot remain candidates for
State Office while holding their Fed
eral jobs.
Mr.. Murphy yesterday notified
Charles F. Uhl, United States dis
trict attorney at Pittsburgh; John
B. Ray, his assistant, and James B.
Frazier, jr, district attorney at
Chattanooga, Tenn, that they must
give up either their present jobs or
their new political ambitions.
Mr.. Uhl is unopposed for the
Democratic nomination for common
pleas judge of Somerset County
Pa, while Mr.. Ray is seeking the
Democratic nomination for district
attorney from Beaver Falls. Mr.
Frazier had advised the Attorney
General he was contemplating be-
coming a candidate to succeed the
late Representative McReynolds in
Congress.
Mr.. Uhl was quoted by the Asso-
clated Press as saying in Pittsburgh
that IF Mr.. Murphy feels that he
should have my resignation, he shall
have it Immediately. I am in the
race to stay"
Unopposed for Post.
However, the Federal prosecutor
said he would communicate with the
Attorney General, inform him the
time to withdraw from the race had
passed and point out that he was
not campaigning because he is un-
opposed.
1T was my understanding a de-
clsion would not be made until later
when my position had been made
clear to the Attorney General
added Mr.. Uhl. There is serious
legal doubt that it (the law would
apply to my case"
Mr.. Ray reported Senator Guffey
Democrat, Of Pennsylvania, had as
sued him and Mr.. Uhl no ruling
would be made on the Hatch law in
their cases until after they met with
the Senator and possibly the Attor-
ney General,
While announcing no decision on
his course, Mr. Ray said that like
MIR. Uhl he would be unable to with
draw from the race now.
First Specific Rulings,
Mr.. Murphy's instructions to the
three attorneys were his first spe-
slnc rulings under the Hatch law
which bans political activity bv anv
Federal employees except those in ton
policy making positions. All other
district attorneys We're notified of
the application of the law. Mr.
Murphy said.
However, another assistant United
States attorney also seeking an cleo
tive ONCE In Pennsylvania, said he
mad not received notification to re-
sign. He is Gerald A. Gleeson. a
candidate for nomination for sheriff
In Pennsylvania County.
Meanwhile, numerous Federal
workers throughout the country
were quitting their Government Jobs
or political posts to conform with
the law.
Some States considered the possi-
plllty OF enacting State laws to sup
plement the Federal law by banning
polltlcal activity among State Job
holders. Gov. James Price of Vir-
glnia said he was looking into"
that possibility.
Philadelphia Exception.
Although reports from most sec
tions indicated tendency to quit
political life to retain Federal Jobs
Philadelphia proved an exception
There John B. Kelly, city chairman
of the Democratic organizat ton. an
nounced that about so persons hold
ing minor Federal posts were Quit
ing their jobs to run for State
Offices.
At Denver, Colo. half a dozen
Federal workers, including United
states district attorney, dropped
their connections with local political
organizations.
At least three postmasters in New
York State took similar action.
Mrs. Jennie Kirby, Democratic ma
tlonal committeewoman for New
Mexico, resigned that post because,
she said, it conflicted with her job
as director of the State Welfare
Department.
No designations in Virginia.
In Virginia, Capt. Edwin Cox.
secretary of the State Central Demo-
cratic Commute, said he had heard
OF no designations from party posts
as result of the bill
Pennsylvania political leaders ex-
pressed uncertainty over the possible
effect of the law on employees of
State departments to which the
Federal Government contributes
money.
In this category are workers in
the Relief Administration and the
Division of Unemployment Compen-
satlon. If they come under the law.
both Republican and Democratic
parties in Pennsylvania would be
affected.
Federal job holders in the State
are chiefly registered Democrats,
while the State jobs-including
those in departments partially de-
pendent on Washington-are con-
trolled by the Republican admins
tratlon of Gov. Arthur H. James.