(5 of 5)
The Accolade. A more or less astonished Senate committee listened to George explain his qualifications for the job. "I very badly want to be confirmed by you gentlemen," said George soberly. Then he cut loose with his best comedy routine. The Senators almost died laughing. Would George give up his 22 directorships? "I'd hate to cut out all," grinned George, "because what if the Democrats lost in '48?" In a burst of jolly good fellowship they confirmed George for the job. Senator Barkley wrung his hand.
George dropped his insurance directorships, hung onto the others. The RFC job pays him $10,000 a year. His income from private businesses, over which RFC holds wide powers: an estimated $50,000. The moral hazards of this situation are recognized by George. He knows that he is walking on eggs and that a fascinated and not too friendly audience is watching him. Aside from the moral question, George has a rule of conduct which may pull him through: keep your nose clean. The chairmanship of RFC is his for the asking when aging, gregarious Charles ("Senator") Henderson steps down.
Harry Truman is not worried about George. He has "implicit confidence" in him. On the wall of George's office hangs a picture of the President which bears Harry Truman's accolade. The picture is inscribed in Harry Truman's angular hand: "My very best to a regular guy, my friend George Allen."