The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-04

However, we don't think the
facts warrant the criticism which
has been heaped ON his head for
becoming a captain in the techni-
cal end OF the Air Corps. Real
fact is that with two children and
poor eyesight, Elliott never would
have been drafted; and the lowest
rank given in his branch of the
Air Corps is that Of captain.
Because he has become a ma
tional issue, we wrote to Elliott
asking for his side of the story.
Here is his reply:
"In 1928 I tried to 60 TO An
napolis, but l was told that I
could never 60 because Of poor
eyesight. As you know, l
have had business career since
that was greatly helped by the
fact Of my being the son of a
very prominent man. I've
made mistakes, plenty OF them,
mistakes Of judgment, but they
were honest mistakes and when
realized them l set out to cor
rect them.
TN 1888 / decided to get into
the radio business In Texas
working for myself. In that way
/ felt / had a better chance to
keep away from political infiu-
ences and implications, and at
the same time build up a solid
future for myself. -.
"Then the war came. I be-
lieve that my future, your future,
the freedom of us all is in the
balance, and I decided to offer my
services for whatever they were
worth. I didn't care whether I
was a private or a general. I
didn't care whether I was put into
something as a civilian, if it was
felt that in that way I could best
help. Well, they took me into the
service, as you know, in the Air
Corps. And you doubtless know
all the stuff that has come out
since then.
my God! Il had no desire to
become a spearhead of cOntrO-
versy. l wanted to help, not
hinder by creating discOrd. Well,
there isn't anything to be done
about it now. l think there
is only one course to fOllow-gO
ahead with my work and vindi-
cate the judgment of those army
officers who put me where i am,
by doing a terrific job. Then if
war does come, make sure that
sOmeway get in where the
fighting is heaviest.
"You know, many people have
written me, called me, and wired
me calling me a coward. l even
get white feathers in the mail. I
guess the only satisfaction I'll ever
have with those people will be how
they'll feel about their hard words
if I should happen to be bumped
off if there is a fracas. This
letter hasn't been easy to write,
but l wanted you to know that
down in my heart I wasn't trying
to get glory. position or notice of
any kind. I was trying TO help"
POLITICAL NOTES
Little has been heard OF ALI
Landon during the campaign. but
the 1896 COP standard bearer put
in yeoman licks for his 1910 sue
cessor. Working quietly behind
the scenes, Landon smoothed out
factional clashes between the reg
ular party organizations and Will
kie Clubs or other independent
units in a number OF states, and
played q big part In lining up
farm outfits. Landon deliberately
kept himself In the background In
order TO be able 10 work more eff
feetiyely as q Notwithstanding co.
ordinatoF, Because OF the 3d..
100000 Hatch Act limit, the final
expenditures OF the COP cam
paign were borne by the Wlllkie
Clubs instead OF the National
Committee. The clubs paid for
fourteen coast -i0-e0ast hrOadeasts,
eight OF them by Wlllkie himself
Mrs. A. Mitchell Palmer, wld0w
OF woodrow Wilson's wartime At
torney General, was visiting
friends on Lone Island some time
ago and went through al kinds
Oi razxlng because Of her support
f0r Roosevelt, n turned out ulal
she was about the only R00sf-
velt fan among lhe Rite social sei
one nlght she eat - dinner be-