REPERCUSSIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 27, 1 August 1932, Page 7

REPERCUSSIONS

WASHINGTON EVICTION

BONUS ARMY AND HOOVER

WASHINGTON, 29th July

As the disorganised units of the "Bonus Army" staggered out of Washington to-day, the erstwhile commander, Mr. Walter Waters, issued a militant appeal to all unemployed as well as veterans to join the "khaki shirt" movement with the avowed purpose of "cleaning out the high places of government," apparently meanin" President Hoover. "

Mr. Waters insisted that they would act strictly in accordance with American principles, that is, the ballot-box. However, tho ■obvious Fascist-like nature ofsthe movement, although as yet undeveloped, is causing some concern in. Washington. On the understanding that the Mayor of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, had previously invited the "Bonus Army" to establish headquarters there, 1000 veterans are en route to that city, where Mr. Waters expects to start his organisation of the "khaki shirts." Later, the Mayor said that he had only invited the leaders. However, several truck-loads of veterans have already arrived, with indications that 1000 more will arrive in. a few days. This will probably create another police problem. Relief for the evicted women and children is presenting a serious problem. It was first announced that the Bed Cross would send them to their homes, but this was later denied. Meanwhile private charity is providing tho children with the best possible. PRESIDENT CRITICISED. Repercussions of yesterday's hostilities were quick to materialise. President Hoover in a statement defended the, calling out of the troops, while a canvass of tho few Congressmen in the city revealed a general opinion that the movement was untimely. One, Senator Black, of Alabama, severely criticised the President, particularly for the night operations against women and children. He hinted at a Congressional investigation. - The "New York Times" understands that President Hoover desired to suspend operations early in the evening, but General McArthur persuaded him to allow the plan of campaign to be continued. Liberal elements throughout the nation have issued strong protests. The Communist organisation in New York has scheduled several demonstrations. The organised veterans' associations, including the American Legion of Veterans of foreign wars, are apparently of divided opinion. Mr. Waters, in a statement denounced the "moneyed interests of Wall street" and called for universal support for a movement to "return Government to tho masses." Tho possibility of unemployed malcontents forming an organisation for political or perhaps even direct action has been voiced in various quarters for some time, but Mr. Waters's declaration is the most definite manifestation of such a movement yet heard. Confident that order has been restored, teh cavalry which aided in evicting the "Bonus Army" from Government property has returned to its headquarters.