Evening star., 1943-07-19
Record Of F|y'sCritic
Defended in Hearing
Before Cox Group

Rear Admiral S. C. Hoover, u S. NJ,
retired. was called a man who had
contributed more to the develop
ment of radio than any man since
Marconi," at hearing today before
the special House committee in
vestigating the Federal Communica-
tons Commission.
Answering charges of James L..
Fly. FEC chairman, that the former
Navy officers criticism of Mr.. F'ly's
war radio intelligence activities was
that of an irresponsible" person
the committees chief counsel
Eugene l.. Carey, read numerous
excerpts of official Navy records de-
failing the admirals contributions to
the development and progress OF
radio.
Representative Cox, Democrat. of
Georgia, committee chairman, re-
marked as Mr.. Carey finished read
ing the official citations:
Fly's Record AssaiIed.
From that record, it shows Ad-
rliral Hoover contributed more to
the development of radio than any
man since Marconi"
Mr.. Carey said he had drawn the
same conclusion.
Previously Mr.. Carey had charged
that Mr.. Fly had little experience
in the line of communications be-
fore accepting his present post.
Nowhere in the biography of Mr.
Fly" said Mr.. Carey, could I find
any reference to his having any ex-
perience in radio preceding his ap-
pointment. 7 did learn that for six
months during his boyhood he
worked as telephone operator in
his home town in Texas. But I have
been unable to find he had any
other experience in the communica-
tions field. So I assume when he
became chairman of the FEC he be-
came an expert 'eX-offlcio.'
Charges Navy "Silencing.
Mr.. Carey prefaced his reading
of the official records with an an
rouncement that the Navy Depart
ment had "silenced' Admiral
Hoover for the time being and for
that reason he would be unable to
testify before the committee.
While Ambassador to Mexico,
former Secretary of Navy Josephus
Daniels, the records revealed. wrote
to the Navy Department under date
of May 10, 1887 commencing the
services OF Admiral Hoover, (then a
captain) during the eight years Mr..
Daniels headed the Navy Depart
ment from 1918 to 1921.
The letter pointed out the naval
officer had charge of construction
and maintenance of all Navy, ship
ping Board and commercial radio
stations during the World War and
said The Navy and the country
as we'll. owe large debt to Capt
Hoover for his vision as TO the early
recognition of the Importance of
wireless and his able and practical
efforts to broaden this important
service"
Hailed by Swanson.
Mr., Carey also brought out that
the Navy Department files also con-
tanned a commentator of Admiral
Hoover from the FEC which was
sent to former Secretary Swanson
under date of October 13. 1887. and
forwarded to the chief of Bureau of
Navigation for inclusion in official
records.
The Secretary Of the Navy" Mr..
Swanson said in the forwarding let
ter, takes great pleasure in noting
the important contributions made by
Capt. Hoover in the development OF
regulation of radio. both in the ma
tional and international fields. Tie
work Of Capt. Hoover, as evidenced
In part by the basic letter, places
him and the United States Navy in
q leading position throughout the
world in the field of radio COM
Yr1I1piro