belly-laugh a day.

belly-laugh a day.

I’m sure you don't mind making a contribution in taxes toward the salary of this court jester, parti, cularly when the General makes such industrious use of his spare time. He seems glad to pick up his telephone and murmur something about “the White House is interested” while he puts the heat on a Federal agency for someone who comes recommended by the right sources.

In 1946, President Truman decided he needed a more tractable Congressman from his home District in Missouri, and the word went out that Democrat Roger Slaughter had to be knocked out in the Democratic primary. This was the kind of job the Pendergaat machine knew how to do. Still well-oiled despite the death of old Tom, it had the assistance of such competent thugs as Charley Binaggio, an underworld character and campaign contributor. Charley later died with his slimy boots on— shot to death in a Democratic club under a picture of Harry S Truman.

The President was made happy by the results of the primary. A Democrat who didn't vote along Mr. Truman’s lines was defeated. But later fraud was charged. A grand jury indicted 71 persons. This called upon the machine for swift and courageous action. It was forthcoming within a few hours. Thugs entered the Jackson County Court House and carted out the impounded ballots. The President said such goings-on should be investigated. Attorney General Tom Clark, now rewarded with a seat on the Supreme Court, said they certainly should. Nothing ever happened, though, and none of the old grads of the Pendergast School of Applied Politics was embarrassed.

Another of the carefree characters who sees nothing wrong in cutting comers or letting seedy types in the back door of the White House is Donald Dawson, the# President’s advisor on whom to appoint to important jobs. Donald’s friends, Mr. and Mrs. Merl Young, of pastel mink fame, also were in the club until recently.