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Thursday, March 31, 2022

"AFTER AN EXTENDED INVESTIGATION & ADJUSTMENT"

HARDING REMOVES DIRECTOR OF BUREAU OF ENGRAVING & PRINTING

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 31, 1922, President Warren G. Harding removed the director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing*, James Wilmeth**," along with thirty-two additional executives of that bureau.  The executive order stated this was done "for the good of the service."

Mr. Wilmeth was immediately replaced by Louis A. Hill***, currently Assistant chief of the division of engraving.

The Harding administration explained that these steps were taken after "an extended investigation and in connection with a complete adjustment of the bureau to peacetime conditions."

*BEP is a government agency under the Dept of Treasury that designs & produces a variety of security products including Federal Reserve Notes.

**James L. Wilmeth (1870-1959) was born in Chewallah, Tennessee & earned his LLB at National University School of Law.  Served as BEP director 1917-1922.

***Louis A. Hill (1865-1933) was born in Boston, Massachusetts & educated at Columbian University.  Served as BEP director 1922-1924. 

SOURCE

"Harding Drops Bureau Chief And 32 Others," The New York Tribune, April 1, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/