◆ SpookStack

Rear Admiral Carlton H. Wright, Commandant of the Twelfth Naval District, wrote an official letter to Bridges in which he stated: "As Commandant of the Twelfth Naval District I wish to take this occasion to express the appreciation of the Navy here of the work of the stevedore and longshore trades in the transporting of troops and supplies to the war area....It is gratifying to receive your assurances that the work in connection with supporting the war effort will go on." Government officials, prominent citizens. Legislative leaders and the Press joined in expressing themselves publicly in favor of dropping deportation proceed- ings against the longshore leader. "ere are some of the actions taken and statements made: On FEBRUARY 2. 1945, Royce Brier, Editorial Director of the San Francisco Chronicle, a Republican newspaper, wrote in his column: "attorney General Biddle is going to deport Bridges simply because he, Biddle, thinks it is a good idea... Biddle says he has a law for this and undoubtedly he has. So much more the reason for repealing it." On FEBRUARY 5S, 1945, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted a resolution addressed to President Roosevelt and Attorney General Biddle, urging that deportation proceedings against Bridges be abandoned because "incalculable harm" to home front unity would result. On the same date, FEBRUARY 5, 1945, District Attorney Brown wrote the letter describing the bridges deportation proceedings as a ‘threat to industrial peace" and said he hoped Bridges would be permitted the "opportunity" to seek citizenship. At about this time, members of the West Coast Congressional delegation, including United States Senator Downey, appealed to the President to intervene in Dridges' behalf. On FEBRUARY 24, 1945, R. R. McFall, California Department Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, wrote President Roosevelt that: "In the interests of harmony, and in order that we may continue to present a united front in this critical . period of our war, I ask for a careful consideration of all the facts in this case."