"NEW PROCESSES EAT SOLES OF LEATHER SHOES"

WOODEN SHOES REQUIRED AT BUREAU OF ENGRAVING MUST BE BOUGHT BY EMPLOYEES

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On March 14, 1926, Associated Press reports Controller General John R. McCarl* has ruled that employees at the Bureau of Engraving "must buy their own wooden shoes."

The shoes, which cost $1.95 a pair, are necessary because "new processes...require acids that quickly eat the soles off the leather shoes of workers."

A proposal for the government to provide 37 pairs of wooden shoes for the workers was turned down by the Controller General.

JFK+50 NOTE

In 1926, work done in the macerating room at the Bureau of Engraving required the use of machines that were filled with caustic acid & soda ash.

*John Raymond McCarl (1879-1966) was born near Des Moines, Iowa  & graduated from University of Nebraska Law School in 1903.  JRM served as the 1st head of the General Accounting Office 1921-1936.  He established key audit divisions & ensured the independence of the agency.

SOURCE

"Engraving Bureau Workers Must Buy Own Wooden Shoes," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C. March 14, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

John Raymond McCarl

Controller General

1921-1936

"ADVANTAGE GIVEN TO EUROPEAN OVER ASIAN IMMIGRANTS"

STATIONS DIRECTED TO ACCEPT LOWEST BID FOR MEALS TO FEED IMMIGRANTS

Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On January 4, 1926, The Evening Star reports that "hereafter U.S. immigration stations must accept the lowest bid for meals to feed immigrants."

The ruling was made by Controller General J.R. McCarl* in a Seattle, Washington case.  Additionally, a "sliding scale of meals" will give an advantage to European immigrants over Asian immigrants.

While Europeans will receive meals valued at 15 cents each, Asiatics will get only 9 3/4 cent meals.

JFK+50 NOTE

The Evening Star identifies Mr. McCarl as "Controller General," but our research shows he was Comptroller General, a position established in 1921 responsible for control of federal disbursements. In the latter part of his tenure, McCarl was critical of FDR's New Deal & is said to be one of the most unpopular government officials.

*John Raymond McCarl (1879-1940) was born in Des Moines, Iowa & graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1903.  Appointed by President Harding, 

JRM served as the 1st Comptroller General, 1921-1926.  Because he was very protective of taxpayer funds during his tenure, he was known as the "watchdog in chief." 

SOURCE

"Feed Immigrants At Lowest Price, McCarl's Demand," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., January 4, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/

John R. McCarl

U.S. Comptroller General

1921-1936

National Photo Company

Library of Congress