The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1916-02-22
CONSDER LEVER FOR
Tie CABINET
WASHINGTON THINKS HIM GOOD
Man.
lntimated That South Carolina Con-
gressmln Will Be Named in
Case of Transfer.
H. MCGOWAN in The State.

Washington, Feb. 16.-Big things
are happening in Washington. War
lines are making almost anything
possible and those here who keep
abreast of changes as they take place
at the White House and other places
from nour to hour are learning. not
to be surprised at anything they hear
The latest gossip in connection with
the filing of Former Secretary Gar
risons place at the war department is
that David F. Houston, now secretary
of agriculture, is being seriously con-
sidered for the place and that should
he go into the position Mr.. Garrison
mas just given up he will be succeed
ed as head of the agricultural depart
ment by Congressman Asbury Fran
els Lever of South Carolina.
Both these things are not only pos
sible, but likely. 1t is said that Pres
ident Wilson, is most impressed with
Mr.. Houston's ability as an executive
officer and that he is now even more
LEASED with him than ne was three
years ago when Mr.. Houston was
placed at the head of the department
of agriculture succeeding Secretary
Wilson. Mr.. Houston's disciplinary
tactics follow close along the lines OF
those adhered to by the president.
Both are teachers by profession and
nave become not only very close po-
litical but personal friends during the
past three years. 1t is said therefore
that no one who could be found would
be more pleasing as the new war Sec
retary than Mr.. Houston.
This step involves the other end of
the situation, and it is openly stated
here that Congressman Lever will be
seriously considered for Mr.. Houstons
place should the latter go to the war
department.
Mr.. Lever and Mr.. Houston are also
close personal and political friends
and those in a position to know say
that Mr.. Houston would be much
-leased to have the Seventh district
representative succeed him.
Mr.. Lever is also very close to the
White House. His work as chairman
OF the house committee on agriculture,
in dealing with the many intricate
problems which have arisen from
time to time, have greatly impressed
the president with Mr.. Levers ability
In fact when Assistant Secretary
Vroman was named for his present po-
sition about two years ago it was said
here that the opportunity had been af-
forded Mr.. Lever tnen to get the place,
but that he did not care to give up an
important Craftsmanship - the most
important congress so far as
The South is concerned-to become as
sistant secretary of agriculture. 1t
was no secret then that Mr.. Lever
could have had this place had he
wanted it.
1t is entirely true that Mr.. Houston
may not be offered the war depart
ment place, because anything is like
ly to happen-but his name is under
discussion now. Should some one else
be named for Mr.. Garrison's place Mr..
Lever will remain where he is, but if
the matter ends as now indicated it
may end, South Carolina may have
native son in the Wilson cabinet
All that Mr.. Lever would say when
asked about the matter today was
,tnat he knew nothing of it, but that
of course. he would feel much gratifed
should the president tender him the
very important portfolio as secretary
Of agriculture.