McCARTHYISM
SIR,-! loathe McCarthy and 'McCarthyism,' and I'm sure that many Americans-who feel as I (a Canadian) do would be delighted to be shown how the President could "remove him [McCarthy] from the position of privilege which he is now abusing." (Your words in May 7th issue.)
The President has .recently taken a stand against McCarthy's interference with the ' executive's deliberations and functions. That is as far, apparently, as the President can go under the US constitution.
The airy manner in which English and Canadian writers overlook that constitution (very precious to the Americans) and the whole Congressional system and traditions is very amazing. Many presently anti- McCarthyites would rally to his support if his obnoxiousness were made the basis of an attempt to change it. Eisenhower, if he were thought to be going too far, would meet with the same rebuff that Roosevelt met with when he attempted to interfere with the (judicial branch of the government, by increasing the membership of the Supreme Court.
The only way McCarthy could be removed would be by impeachment—a very dangerous course (he would exploit it to his advantage)— and it is difficult to think of grounds on which he could be impeached.
The President , might "go direct to the people" but in doing that he would have to be careful not to give grounds for the charge that he was attempting to make the presidency a dictatorship.
It must be remembered that at least a third of the Americans still say, "We don't like McCarthy or his methods, but he has done a necessary job." Many of that third are fanatical followers of his, and the wrong tactics might soon increase that third to between a half and two-thirds.
A few weeks ago I was in New York and spent may hours in viewing the 'McCarthy- Army' hearings over an excellent TV set in
my hotel room (no extra charge). The impression it made on me was that in so far as the conduct of those hearings went their conduct could not have been better—it was• quiet, formal, courteous (despite the bitter undercurrent) and there was an apparent desire on the part of the majority of the com- mittee to get at the truth, and several members of the committee (especially Senators McClennan of Arkansas and Symington of Missouri) are very able men indeed.—Yours
• faithfully,
W. KENT POWER
Ranchmen's Club, Calgary, Canada
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