Hoover & Robots

For six years Coolidge economy was the prime raw material for the japes of Washington newsmen's famed Gridiron Club. Last week at the club's spring dinner, new material offered itself for roasting-- Hoover Efficiency. From 7:30 p. m. to 12:30 a. m. the 50 active club members entertained the President, the Vice President, the Chief Justice, the Cabinet, foreign envoys and themselves with snappers, skits, topical songs. Burlesque, ridicule and sarcasm heaped upon the White House. President Hoover, who spoke, took all with great good grace.

His Cabinet was represented as a squad of robots. His official secretariat was lampooned as running around frantically to keep busy. In song he was reminded that he was but "king for a day." His administrative machine was described as "water-cooled, dry-batteried and using no oil."

Of note at the dinner was the presence of Chief Justice Taft who attended his first Gridiron party 40 years ago as Solicitor-General. Since his elevation to the Supreme Court, however, the Chief Justice has shunned such horseplaying performances lest the dignity of his court be impaired. This year he not only attended (presumably on assurances that the Supreme Court would be omitted from the fun-making), but also made a speech to the 400 guests which, under the rules of the club, may not be reported.