One morning last week, almost as bright and sunny as the June day on which President Hoover electrified the world with his Moratorium announcement, stocky, smiling, middle-aged George Boyd, Capitol messenger, strode into the White House executive offices. Under his left arm he carried a big envelope which he delivered to the Hoover secretariat. From it was extracted a large, handsomely engrossed sheet of paper entitled: ”House Joint Resolution No. 147. To Authorize the Postponement of Amounts Payable to the United States from Foreign Governments during the Fiscal Year 1932.” The measure was certified by John Nance Garner and Charles Curtis (see p. 8).
Not until afternoon was President Hoover ready to act. Governor Eugene Meyer of the Federal Reserve Board was with him at the time. Slowly, carefully, a little larger than usual, the President wrote his name at the bottom of H. J. R. 147, smilingly handed the pen over to Mr. Meyer as a souvenir. To the country at large the President declared:
“I am gratified. . . . The suggestion of our Government for the year’s postponement of debts averted a catastrophe, the effects of which would have caused the American people a loss many times the amount involved. … No part of the debt has been cancelled or reduced; the postponed amounts are repayable over a period of ten years at 4%. … In saving the collapse of Germany, the American people have done something greater than the dollars and cents gained. . . . They have contributed to maintain courage and hope in the German nation.”¶:As usual last week the Press spotlight focused glaringly upon the White House Christmas. Sons Herbert Jr. and Allan arrived from California with Mrs. Hoover Jr. and Grandchildren Peggy Ann and Herbert (“Peter”) III. But this year Hard Times, more as an example than as a result of necessity, made a difference even at the White House. The President & Mrs. Hoover frowned down costly gifts, decided all presents should be inexpensive. Three days before Christmas Mr. Hoover with his sons and daughter-in-law went shopping for the children, pushed their way like ordinary persons through the Washington store crowds. At the toy department of Woodward & Lothrop the President picked out a gasoline filling station and a war tank. Son Allan (now in banking) handled the family cash. At Garrison’s on E Street Mr. Hoover was fascinated with a miniature electric range, bought it and a tea set and some toy cooking utensils. Next day Mrs. Hoover gave Peggy Ann and Herbert III a White House party for 250 children who were instructed to bring presents. These gifts were rebundled and shipped to destitute miners’ families at Morgantown. W. Va. whom the Quakers are helping to relieve. As usual on Christmas morning Detective-Secretary Lawrence Richey came down the State dining room chimney disguised as Santa Claus and as usual the President got clown on the floor to play with his grandchildren’s mechanical toys.
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