Abstract

Government by Bludgeon

The article presents some cases related with abuse of power by the U.S. government. One of such cases relates with that of Commissioner David J. Lewis of the Federal Tariff Commission, who was sent for by a certain high authority and asked whether in the case of his reappointment he would do certain things. But Lewis refused. He was not reappointed to his commission although there are no allegations whatsoever against him of improper behavior or infidelity to his duties while in office. Government by reprisal is again clearly emphasized in the Couzens case. The case involved the right of a government official to compel the taxpayer to agree to the setting aside of the statute of limitations. It shows that laws are enforced as they suit or do not suit the purposes of executive officers.