The Farmville Herald And Farmer Leader

Marshall Public Servant

At a recent press conference, President Dwight D. Eisenhower was asked if he would comment on a statement made by a prominent Republican politician about General George C. Marshall, retired. The statement was an unflattering one about the former Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense.

President Eisenhower replied that, in his opinion, General Marshall was one of the great patriots he had known in his life. He also praised Marshall as one of the ablest men and one of the most dedicated men he had ever encountered. He termed Marshall one of the real public servants of our times.

The praise for Marshall came after former President Harry S. Truman had likewise expressed his opinion on the elderly general. In view of the fact that Marshall had suffered several incisive political attacks in the last year or two, it is refreshing to hear both the present President, and his predecessor, uniting in high praise for Marshall. No doubt, General Marshall displeased many politicians in his day, since he cared very little for politics, and sometimes evidenced his scorn of political methods. Perhaps, as a result, he has suffered at the hands of some politicians but the President's recent statement makes the position of the White House quite clear.