Cary T. Grayson to Bernard M. Baruch
Title
Cary T. Grayson to Bernard M. Baruch
Creator
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938
Identifier
WWP16299
Date
1920 September 16
Description
Cary Grayson replies to Bernard Baruch’s letter regarding loaning or selling at a discounted price ambulances to the Babylon hospital. After speaking with the War Deparment and the Department of Justice, he says that ambulances can only be sold once they have been declared surplus and at the fair value.
Source
Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia
Language
English
Text
My dear Friend
With reference to the letter which you sent me recently from Mr. Jeremiah Robbins, of Babylon, New York, I find upon inquiry that the Judge Advocate General holds that the War Department cannot loan or sell for a nominal sum any ambulances. It seems that they must be appraised at a fair value. When there is a surplus, however, they can be sold at a fair value. I understand that there is no surplus now, but that the Secretary of War can have one of the machines declared surplus. Before doing anything further I should like to have your views. If you wish me to take the matter up along this line, please let me know. I shall be glad to do all I can to meet your wishes.
Mr. Harrison, one of Mr. Meredith’s assistants, sent me a copy of the Philadelphia Public Ledger covering the write-up about the shipment. He also called me on the telephone to say that several press agents had called to see whether they had any information on the subject to give it. The reply was that they had none. Mr. Harrison also told me that he would not give out anything. I had told Mr. Meredith that Mr. Tumulty had assured me that it would be all right with the Department of Justice, and because of this the Agriculture officials were very much exercised and surprised at the action of the officials of the Department of Justice. There are others who are surprised and disgusted. It would appear that the War Department and the Department of Justice seem to make it a point to go out of their way to “swat” you, notwithstanding the service you rendered to the country during the war and to the Administration.
Things in my department are better than they were when I talked with you last over the telephone.
With warm regards, believe me to be
Yours to count on,
Cary T. Grayson
With reference to the letter which you sent me recently from Mr. Jeremiah Robbins, of Babylon, New York, I find upon inquiry that the Judge Advocate General holds that the War Department cannot loan or sell for a nominal sum any ambulances. It seems that they must be appraised at a fair value. When there is a surplus, however, they can be sold at a fair value. I understand that there is no surplus now, but that the Secretary of War can have one of the machines declared surplus. Before doing anything further I should like to have your views. If you wish me to take the matter up along this line, please let me know. I shall be glad to do all I can to meet your wishes.
Mr. Harrison, one of Mr. Meredith’s assistants, sent me a copy of the Philadelphia Public Ledger covering the write-up about the shipment. He also called me on the telephone to say that several press agents had called to see whether they had any information on the subject to give it. The reply was that they had none. Mr. Harrison also told me that he would not give out anything. I had told Mr. Meredith that Mr. Tumulty had assured me that it would be all right with the Department of Justice, and because of this the Agriculture officials were very much exercised and surprised at the action of the officials of the Department of Justice. There are others who are surprised and disgusted. It would appear that the War Department and the Department of Justice seem to make it a point to go out of their way to “swat” you, notwithstanding the service you rendered to the country during the war and to the Administration.
Things in my department are better than they were when I talked with you last over the telephone.
With warm regards, believe me to be
Yours to count on,
Cary T. Grayson
Original Format
Letter
To
Baruch, Bernard M. (Bernard Mannes), 1870-1965
Files
Collection
Citation
Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938, “Cary T. Grayson to Bernard M. Baruch,” 1920 September 16, WWP16299, Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum, Staunton, Virginia.