Evening star., 1950-02-28
Statement by Acheson

Statement by
The tert OF Secretary Ache
sons statement before a Senate
Appropriations subcommittee
tolloUS::
I have been asked to explain the
statement which I made in re-
gard to Alger Hiss on the 25th
of January in the light of various
criticisms which have been leveled
at it; such as, that it impugned
proceedings before a United States
court: that it should not have been
made; that it condoned the Of
fense for which Mr.. Hiss was
tried; and so forth.
First, I stated, as clearly as I
could. that would not discuss
in any manner whatever the
charges against Mr.. Hiss. since
those charges were then, as they
are now. before a court. This is
a principle of the most funda-
mental Importance. No one who
was brought up in the law, as I
was, by Mr.. Justice Brandeis and
Mr.. Justice Holmes can have the
faintest doubt of the transcendent
Importance of practicing this prin-
ciple in the strictest possible way.
I have been a membef of the bar
for 80 years. I have never de-
parted from this principle, and /
never expect to do so. Therefore,
I did not in my former statement, ),
nor shall I now. discuss the
charges in this case in any way,
either directly or indirectly. The
duty of passing upon them rests
with the court, and the court
should not be, in any manner
whatever, embarrassed or preju-
diced in performing this duty.
Second. I have been asked why
I did not let the matter rest with
what I have just said. There
seemed to me public and private
reasons why this could not be
done.
Relevant to Fitness.
At the time of my confirmation,
the Senate committee before
which I appeared inquired of me
regarding my relations with Mr..
Hiss. This is clearly indicative
OF the committee & belief that the
matter was relevant to my fitness
for the Office. Many of those who
have criticized my statement give
further ground for this belief. It
has been charged. for instance,
that what I said, indicates that~1
am not qualified 4 for the Office
which I hold. LIDO not agree with
this view. but 1t surely indicates
that some persons believe that my
views in this matter are relevant
to the question Of my fitness for
the Office and that, therefore, the
public is entitled to know my
views. At any rate, the question
which was put to me was directed
toward bringing them out, and
the issue was, therefore, presented
whether I should state them or
withhold them.
There were also personal rea-
sons for stating my attitude. One
must be true to the things by
which one lives. The counsels
OF discretion and cowardice are
appealing. The safe course is to
avoid situations which are dis
agreeable and dangerous. Such
a course might get one by the is
sue OF the moment, but it has Bit
ter and evil consequences. In the
long days and years which stretch
beyond that moment of decision
one must live with ones self; and
the consequences Of living with a
decision which one knows has
sprung from timidity and cow,
ardize go to the roots of ones
life. 1t is not merely a question
OF peace Of mind, although that
is vital; it is matter Of integrity
OF character. This is the most
fundamental of all considerations.
For these reasons it seemed, and
1t still seems. to me that there
was no alternative to saying what
I said.
For Individual Conscience.
Third. The attitude which one,
who has known and worked with
Mr.. Hiss. will take toward him in
his deep trouble is. a matter for
the individual conscience to de-
eide. It isn't matter which q
court. or public opinion, or the
Government can decide for one.