Evening star., 1950-09-07
Truman Pays Visit
To Marine League;
Greeted by Cheers
(continued From First Page.)

back the United Nations or re.
treat-and retreating is not my
way"
Then the President interjected:
Whenever 7 make a mistake, I
try to correct 1t as quickly as
possible"
ASsails political" Attacks.
In conclusion, the President as
sailed political attacks on Gov
ernment officials, saying that ac-
tually they were directed at the
President and that it was making
1t difficult to get good men in the
Government.
He did not name those he said
were victims of these "unfounded
and unjust" attacks.
There has been criticism of
Secretary of State Acheson and
Secretary of Defense johnson
during the Marine convention.
Mr.. Truman walked into the
crowded room with a broad grin
on his face. He kept that grin
until he started speaking.
Asks Marine Support.
He expressed hope the Marine
League-an organization of for
mer Marines-would support him
in his efforts to "get peace in the
world" The ex-Marines ap-
plauded vigorously.
Before leaving, the President
toined in singing the Marine an
them, From the Halls of Monte
zuma."
There was loud cheering as Mr..
Truman walked off the speakers
platform. From the convention
floor came shouts of Good boy,
Harry"
But one unidentified delegate
was heard to say II wouldn't |
wave to you, you hypocrite"
One copy of the Presidents
written apology was delivered per-
Sonally to Gen. Clifton B. Gates,
who was called to President Tru-
mans Office to receive it late yes
terday.
Another went directly to the
Marine Corps League convention.
Regrets Unfortunate Language.
''I sincerely regret the unfor-
tunate language used in my let
ter of August 20 to CONGRESSMAN |
McDonough concerning the Ma
rine Corps" said the President at |
the outset.
Gen. Gates, smiling broadly as
he left the White House with his
letter. said he knew the Marines
would be very gratified" to get it.
Boyle Hopes for Success.
White House aides-plus Demo-
cratic National Chairman William
M. Boyle, who had been sweating
out the difficult task of compost
tion-were keeping their fingers
crossed and hoping prayerfully
that presidential apology with
out parallel in modern times
would make the grade.
On Capitol Hill, where members
Of Congress are looking toward the
November elections and beyond,
1t was obvious that Republicans
are determined that the whole af-
fair will get the fullest publicity t
possible.
Democrats. sizing up the apol-
ogy, cited the Presidents final
move as the act OF a big man. Re-
publicans were talking about a
careless bungler.
Some Democrats didn't think
the President lost caste by proving
that he is human and can get
angry-and repent. Others were
not too sure.
Mccarthy Hopes Damage Halted.
Senator Mccarthy. Republican,
of Wisconsin, a former Marine
who has ben +belaboring the ad-
ministration in connection with
the State Department Red"
hunt, said of the letter:
Il sincerely hope it serves to
undo some Of the damage his
viciously intemperate language
must have done to the Marines
fighting and dying in Korea"
Senator Douglas, Democrat, of
Illinois, another Marine veteran,
said he always has been sure that
letter to Mr.. McDonough didn't
represent Mr.. Truman's real feel
ings. I'm glad the matter has
been cleared up."
In his letter the President !
praised the magnificent history
of the Marines over ITS years and
summed up the views he had in
mind in writing Representative
McDonough.
He ended his letter by predict
ing that the Marines would add
new laurels" to their career by
their exploits in Korea today.