Youngest Major-General

Last week a piece of paper awaiting his signature brought President Hoover memories. The paper was an order promoting Brig. Gen. Smedley Darlington Butler, U. S. Marine Corps, to the rank of Major-General. The President's memories were of the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, when he, then a young mining engineer, had discussed the defense of Tientsin with Smedley Darlington Butler, then an enthusiastic Second Lieutenant of Marines just turned 19. President Hoover signed the order.

Since 1900, General Butler has fought in nine countries, won many medals. Grizzled Marine campaigners recite many a yarn of his personal bravery. Philadelphia politicians recall with horror the year (1924-25) when, as Director of Public Safety, he endeavored to "mop up" his home town, where he was raised, like Herbert Hoover, in a Quaker family.

The death of Maj.-General Eli Kelley Cole, U. S. M. C., left the vacancy to which General Butler was advanced. Aged 48 this month, he is the youngest Major-General of Marines ever commissioned.