The Home Journal

Let's Have Fair Play

There is absolutely no doubt remaining that Ivan Howard, Property Clerk in the Department of Education, who was suspended on the ground of illegal entry and forcing his presence upon the Governor at Government House on May 10 is completely innocent, & being punished only because he was one of the participants in a demonstration E. against provisions in the organic act now pending before Congress.

An inquiry held by the Council's Committee of Investigations into the incident found every employee at Government House who knew anything about the incident in agreement that Mr. Howard's conduct was absolutely beyond reproach. Not only did he greet Governor Alexander with respect and courtesy, shaking the hands of the Governor before stating his mission, but there was an air of cordiality between the two of them when the conversation ended.

Of course, there was a public demonstration in Emancipation Garden on the same night, and later informants told the Governor that Mr. Howard was one of the demonstrators. His advisers must have urged that he be taught a lesson, and the charges which were made against him were then and there cooked up in an effort to punish the employee.

If the Governor was mis-led into taking the action which he did in this case,

we hope he will be big enough to admit his error and give justice to an employee who has been viciously and unfairly treated.

The people want to have confidence in and respect for the new administration.

Acts of reprisals, based upon false charges will never inspire confidence, respect or cooperation.