Evening star., 1940-11-01
Early Apology Settles
Incident al Station,
La Guardia Says
Mayor Charges Protest
On Injury to Officer Is
Politically Inspired
~ the Associated Press.

~ the Associated Press.
NEW YORK, Nov. Mayor La
Guardia said today that he con-
sidered an apology by Stephen Early,
White House secretary, to James
Sloan, New York colored policeman
who was injured in scuffle near
President Roosevelt's train here
Monday night, should settle the
affair.
IT examined the apology and I
think 1t should settle it." the Mayor
said. "All the protest is politically
inspired by people having no interest
In the patrolman.'
"A gentleman can do no more
than apologize" Mayor La Guardia
added. What would have happened
If somebody got by the line guard
ing approach to the presidential
specially The officer had orders not
to let anybody by. Mr.. Early had
to catch the train. 1t was a regret
table meeting between the two ire
sistible forces.
II am very happy that Mr. Early
apologized. If the cop let's anybody
by he Is not doing his duty, that's
all"
To Vote for Roosevelt.
The Mayor said he would con-
tinue to inquire into the matter,
but that he would eliminate all
political pressure which I think is
rather unbecoming
At his home Officer Sloan said
that Chief Police Surgeon Charles
J. Dillon had advised him to re-
main in bed few more days.
"1 haven't received any apology"
Omcer Sloan said. He replied when
asked whether he would accept an
apology, I'm not going to talk about
that"
In response to a question about
his voting in the forthcoming cleo
ton, the patrolman responded:
Il am going to vote for Mr.. Roose-
welt regardless of what his secretary
might have done"
Oficer Sloan said he was kicked
In the groin during the scuf1e. Mr..
Early denied knicking any one, but
said he gave the knee" to one of
several policemen who barred his
way to the train.
Text Of Early Statement.
The text of Mr.. Early's statement
follows: I'm certain Republican
quarters political importance is be-
ing attached to an unfortunate al
tercation which took place between
q detail of New York City police
men and myself on Monday night
last.
LAS part of my official duty. I
was endeavoring to obtain permis-
sion for a group of about 35 news
papermen and others to board the
train on which they had to return
to their places of duty in Wash
ington. I showed my credentials.
All of the people in the group also
had offlcial credentials to board the
train. 1t was essential for them
that they get on that train before it
left. Unfortunately, the police had
received instructions to let nobody
pass under any circumstances. I
was doing my best to identify this
group and to convince the police
that it was imperative and proper
for this party to pass through the
police line before the train left.
During the discussion there was
great deal Of jostling and showing
In the crowd which had gathered
there; and am deeply sorry that
a policeman appears to have been
hurt while trying to carry out in
structions which he had received.
I did not have any personal con-
troversy with this man, having all
my discussion with the sergeant in
command of the detail.
"I do not believe that I did any
thing wrong in this incident. I did
not attack or kick any officer. But
since one officer believed I was re-
sponsible for hurting him, I wish
to apologize to him particularly and
to Commissioner Valentine for hav-
ing had any part in this regrettable
affair.
81 cannot understand why Repub-
hcan politicians are attempting to
find political significance in this in
cident.
I'm all my experience in New
York City, the police department
has always shown the utmost CO.
operation and efficiency.
when I telephoned Police Com
missioner Valentine shortly after
the incident, I understood that he
was making a full investigation OF
the facts. I am anxious to cooper
ate with him 100 per cent. In order
to do that, I intend to devote all
of my time necessary to cooperate
1. ...-I.I IL. ;sac., ix-. L.