FDR

Our problem is to see to it that there is no idle critical machine in the United States.

I ask you to demonstrate again your faith in America by joining me in investing in the new defense savings bonds and stamps.

I, Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States of America, do hereby amend Executive Order No. 8389 of April 10, 1940.

I hereby further exempt the said Louis A. Simon from compulsory retirement for age for a period of six months ending November 30, 1941.

That is exactly the question I hoped you would ask.

I don't call that good Americanism.

Whatever may be the temporary outcome of the present phase of the war in Greece, I believe that the Greek people will once more ultimately achieve their victory and regain their political independence and the territorial integrity of their…

We will fight for the democratic process, and that's all.

I don't think that we had better talk about interpretations.

I think some of you know what a horse looks like.

I will tell you how.

I think they speak for themselves pretty clearly: and for the great majority of the American people.

The heroic struggle of the Hellenic people to defend their liberties and their homes against the aggression of Germany has stirred the hearts and aroused the sympathy of the whole American people.

By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 2 of the Civil Service Act (22 Stat. 403, 404), and by section 1753 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows.

I hereby exempt the said Charley R. Davis from compulsory retirement for age for a period of one year ending August 31, 1942.

I have decided to subject Government lawyers, like other professional men in the service of the Government, to the standards and the requirements of the merit system.

I have signed today an Executive Order, to take effect July 1,1941.

This Order will become generally effective on January 1, 1942.

It provides that those positions becoming vacant between July 1, 1941, and January 1, 1942, will automatically be brought within the civil service when they become vacant.

The issuance of this Order is a significant milestone in civil service reform.

For the first time in the history of this Government the greatest possible opportunities are now open for the development of a broad merit system.

It is under the authority of this Act that today's Order is issued.

The positions of Counsel and Assistant Attorney in the Alley Dwelling Authority are hereby covered into the competitive classified civil service.

Bituminous coal production must be resumed, and promptly.

Those who disagree with what is being done, and with the manner in which it is being done, are free to use their freedom of speech.