Evening star., 1945-03-09
Letters to The Star
Protests "Ineratitude" Indicated
By Criticism of Senator Glass.

|
Protests "Ineratitude" Indicated
By Criticism of Senator Glass.
To the Editor Of The Star:
| AS an admirer of the senior Senator
from Virginia, write to protest against
the recent attempt to administer to
| Senator Glass the same unfair treat
ment accorded President Woodrow VIII
son by the politicians when he was
stricken and unable to carry on all his
| duties.
| There were indignant protests from
thousands of Democrats and Republi-
cans alike over what was said and done
to President Wilson. dare say your
| own columns Joined in these protests.
| President Wilson was invited to resign.
| 1t was charged that his wife and Sec
retary were running the Nation and
making great decisions. 1t even was
suggested that a delegation of politi-
clans, visit the sickroom at the White
House and pry into his physical condi-
| ton.
Can't we be spared repetition of
such ingratitude? If there is no. ele-
ment of gratitude in our democracy
we would better put it there before
we find that we have been following
| will-o'-the-wisp
This l945 edition of political ingrati-
tude is doubly distasteful because 1t
apparently originates In the city that
was the birthplace of Woodrow Wilson
In heavens name, let us forget poll
tics and deal in the simple humani-
ties. Have We Americans created
tude and interested only in who gets
what? Is this what our boys are
bleeding and dying for? Are we about
to Hitlerize our politics and chloroform
our aged public servants just because
somebody else wants their jobs?
Recalls Case Of Calhoun.
Did South Carolina ask John c. CAL
houn to resign his seat in the Senate
in order to replace him with some one
more vigorous in body, but less bril-
liant of mind? Indeed, during the
intense debates over the compromise
VI IOOO, COliCusuC, oCildbOi ndoOIl
of Virginia, came to Calhoun's aid and
read to the Senate a message the great
statesman was too broken to deliver
in person.
Did Kentucky suggest that Henry
Clay leave the Senate when old age
and Ill health prevented his attend
ance?
itNto Ink In c1,an -
step down from the Chief Justiceship
of the United States. which he adorned
like a jewel. even though he faltered
in body?
Let us turn for advice to another
Virginian who was great of mind and
heart. Shortly after Thomas Jefferson
became President committee of New
Haven citizens wrote him protesting
against his appointment of Judge Sam
uel Bishop to the ONCE of collector Of
that district To this protest jefferson
replied in letter that might we'll be
read by those who would supplant Sena-
tor Glass in the Senate. For their
benefit quote these words from Presi-
dent Jefferson's reply to the New Haven
committee: ut is objected, indeed. in
the remonstrance, that he is II years of
age; but at a much more advanced
age, our Franklin was the ornament of
human nature. He may not be able to
perform in person all the details of his
Office, but If he gives us the benefit of
his understanding, his integrity. his
/ watchfulness and takes care that all the
details are well performed by himself
or his necessary assistants, all public
purposes will be answered"
Long Service Commended.
Senator Glass has served his State
and Nation long, well, courageously and
honorably. Is there any one who be-
grudges him the laurels of this long life
of usefulness to his fellowmen? Is the
State of Virginia suffering by what
Senator Glass may or may not be doing?
On the contrary, there is little doubt
that his great experience and his close
friendship with the Chief Executive
have worked most favorably to the
interests of the State
Is there any State that has as her
representatives in the United States
Senate two men finer than Carter Glass
and Harry Byrd?
l know nothing Of the political motives
behind the persecution of Senator Glass
But I believe that if referendum could
be taken and all the facts placed before
the people of Virginia the people would
say-as they said when they last elected
nim-that Senator Glass should stay
where he is and may God bless him.
Let me close by saying this letter ex-
presses the personal sentiments of the
writer, who believes that Senator Glass.
be his days long or short, deserves the
a full measure of gratitude from this
Nation, if for no other reason than that
he can say with George Washington
"I have grown old in your service"
EDWARD BOYKIN.
Differs With Mr.. Lawrence
| To the Editor of The Star: