Evening star., 1949-09-05
Double Standard for Generals

One of the questions that comes to mind
In the wake of the Five Percenters inves-
tigation is whether we have a double or
single standard of morals for those who
wear the uniform of a major general,
United States Army.
1t would appear that we have double
standard One standard seems to apply In
the case of those whose two stars stand
for years of hard work and faithful per-
formance of duty in one of the most exact
ing of all careers, the regular army. The
other standard is for those whose COM
parable adornments of rank, plus impress
sive rows of ribbons, represent the fortunes
of politics.
How else can one explain the contrast
ing treatment received by the three major
generals of the Army who have been
involved in the Senate investigation?
On July 16 last two of these major gen.
erals-Alden Harry Watt and Hermann
Feldman-were relieved of duty. That
continues to be their status, after six
weeks. It may be said that their relief
was in the tradition of the services 1t is
customary to take such action when off1-
GERS are faced with official inquiry regard
ing their conduct. Such suspension
should imply no finding of guilt, nor does
it. Nevertheless, for professional soldiers
who have reached the top and are round
ing out careers in which they have ex-
celled, it is blow that strikes deep regard
less of what may be decided later on as
to the substance of the charges.
These two men had their day in court
before the Senate committee. General
Watt probably suffered most. For a man
to be forced to admit in public the indis-
cretions of personal vanity is deeply
humiliating experience. General Feldman
came off better. Perhaps his friendship
for James v. Hunt led him into the hazy
atmosphere of an ethical improperly, but
there was nothing which involved any
hope for personal gain or which reflected
upon his official or personal integrity.
At any rate nothing came from their
rigid cross examinations which on its face
would seem to constitute cause for removal
from the Offices they occupy and the
resulting disgrace. These two men should
be restored to their positions Immediately.
or the Inspector General of the Army,
whose investigation of their conduct began
before UllGlT SuSpCllSlOL llOII OAA1SC, oAAouAa
report the reasons for decision to the
contrary 1t is cruel and unusual punish
ment to leave them under a cloud while
members of the Senate Investigating Com
mittee take holiday and prepare more
worlds to conquer.
The other major general is Vaughan.
Nothing has happened to him, aside from
what may be the unspoken verdict in the
court of public opinion. He continues to
adorn the Presidents Office. He has been
repeatedly defended by the President of
the United States, even before he had his
day in court. He has never had to suffer
the opprobrium of suspension while his
case was Investigated. Only last week he.
and the country, received another reas-
suring word from the Commander in Chief
himself that he would not be removed He
evidently will stay at the White House
until the hill deepfreezes over.
This double standard in the treatment
of major generals does not sit well. 1t
should be abolished, for it is not fair.
The two major generals from the Penta-
gon, considering their behaviour If only
in relative sense, should be returned to
office with bands playing and flags flying.