“Several members of the Metropolitan Police were injured, one reported seriously,” a letter from the President of the D.C. Board of Commissioners states. “The Commissioners of the District of Columbia, therefore, request that they be given the assistance of federal troops, in maintaining law and order.” Upon receiving this message, President Hoover immediately jumped into action, offering the assistance of the federal troops he commanded. He did his best to stop the destructive advance of the Bonus Army, but still maintained that they be treated with all due humanity. While unfortunate tragedies did occur, President Hoover did not order nor condone them. President Hoover did not violate the First Amendment rights of the Bonus Army. The arguments we have to support this are as follows:
1. The First Amendment only protects peaceful protests, and the Bonus Army was no longer peaceful.
2. Many …show more content…
The Bonus Army was staying in Washington D.C. by squatting in government buildings. Squatting is illegal- it’s like someone coming into your house and deciding to live there. Arrests were made to clear the illegal squatters out of buildings, but the Bonus Army members resisted arrest. In addition, many of the members of the Bonus Army previously had police records. 22.6% had records, and 17% were previously convicted.
The final argument is that President Hoover cannot be blamed for the burning of the Anacostia Camp, since General MacArthur disobeyed a direct order and crossed the bridge.
Multiple times, an order was delivered to General MacArthur. “Do not cross the Anacostia River into the Bonus Army’s camps.” This was Hoover’s directive. However, General MacArthur failed to heed this order, and still crossed into the camp against the president’s orders.
With this staggering evidence in front of you, we beseech the jury to acquit President Hoover of all the charges against him. Thank
1. The First Amendment only protects peaceful protests, and the Bonus Army was no longer peaceful.
2. Many …show more content…
The Bonus Army was staying in Washington D.C. by squatting in government buildings. Squatting is illegal- it’s like someone coming into your house and deciding to live there. Arrests were made to clear the illegal squatters out of buildings, but the Bonus Army members resisted arrest. In addition, many of the members of the Bonus Army previously had police records. 22.6% had records, and 17% were previously convicted.
The final argument is that President Hoover cannot be blamed for the burning of the Anacostia Camp, since General MacArthur disobeyed a direct order and crossed the bridge.
Multiple times, an order was delivered to General MacArthur. “Do not cross the Anacostia River into the Bonus Army’s camps.” This was Hoover’s directive. However, General MacArthur failed to heed this order, and still crossed into the camp against the president’s orders.
With this staggering evidence in front of you, we beseech the jury to acquit President Hoover of all the charges against him. Thank