Early Statesman synthesis distilling legal jargon into practical meaning, statutory anchors, and structural constitutional impacts.
This executive order, signed by President Herbert Hoover on 1930-04-08, establishes federal administrative policy concerning "Inspection of Tax Returns by Department of Commerce for Statistical Purposes." It is a direct, concise executive instruction delivering focused administrative or military commands to department leadership.
Constitutional Assessment: This action represents an orderly exercise of Article II administrative discretion, managing the internal machinery and personnel of the executive branch without abridging the ancient liberties of the people.
Key Directives & Operative Actions
▪That returns may be open to inspection by officers and employees of the Department of Commerce, for statistical purposes, in accordance and upon compliance with the amendment, bearing even date herewith, to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and approved by the President, bearing date of April 13, 1926, as amended.
Exec. Order No. 5321, Herbert Hoover (Apr 8, 1930). Available at https://executiveordersarchive.org/orders/app-executive-order-5321-inspection-tax-returns-department-commerce-for-statistical-purposes.
Official Document Text
Source: The American Presidency Project (UCSB Archive)
Pursuant to the provisions of section 55 of the Revenue Act of 1928, and section 257 of the Revenue Act of 1926, it is hereby ordered that returns may be open to inspection by officers and employees of the Department of Commerce, for statistical purposes, in accordance and upon compliance with the amendment, bearing even date herewith, to the rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury and approved by the President, bearing date of April 13, 1926, as amended. HERBERT HOOVER The White House, April 8, 1930.
