National Affairs: McCarl Angry

Some time ago one Herbert S. Ward, government employe, was sent to Alexandria (in Virgina, across the Potomac, scarcely six or eight miles from Washington). He did his business and spent $1.50 for lunch. He put in a bill for his lunch money. Controller General McCarl, -“watchdog of the Federal Treasury,” refused to pay thebill, contending that Ward had not been sent “traveling away from his post of duty” within the meaning of the statute.

Ward sued for $1.50. The case came up in the Court of Claims. It was defended by the Department of Justice. The court awarded $1.50 to Mr. Ward.

Mr. McCarl then waxed wroth, He wrote a letter to Attorney General Sargent. He said in almost so many words that the Department of Justice had not done its duty in presenting the case,, had failed to bring before the court lega points which he had suggested in a memorandum. He added “this office must decline to accept the memorandum opinion of the Court of Claims in this case . . . .

“As stated in the report of this office dated April 8, 1925, the principle of this case is of considerable importance to the United States, and it was hoped that the matter woud be vigorously contested in the Court of Claims

“In view of the circumstances, this office has now no recommendation to make in the matter of further proceeding in the Ward case but submits what has been said for your consideration in determining such question of further proceeding therein or in similar cases.”

-J. Raymond McCarl is a Nebraskan who came to Washington as the private secretary of good insurgent, Senator Norris. In 1918 he was Secretary of the Republican Congressional Committee end an important factors in the Republicans’ regaining control of the House. When the office of Controller General was created President Harding appointed him. He holds office for 15 years and can be removed by Congress only for misbehavior. He can veto any disbursement of money that he regards as illegal. So far he clashed with practically every Cabinet officer—and came off victorious, such is the power of his office.