Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-06-26

enzen a Woodman, Advertising Dug,
Chicago: 225 Fifth Ave.. New MIN MIN
City: sos Victor Bldg, Kansas lily
No
THE CABINET.
n would be interesting to Americans
and helpful as we'll, II Lord Northcliffe
could be induced to tell this country
1ust what he thinks of its war cabinet.
In the early stages Of the war he
made very plain his estimate OF the
british cabinet, with the result that
there was a general upset which appar-
antlv had some excellent results. He
urged appointment Of officials solely
m a basis Of their demonstrated MT
ness. He advocated disregard OF party
fines and caste. He stirred up merry
few veeks Of rather heated discussion.
but IN the end he won.
N And now he is in America, on mis-
A,on for his government which compels
him to negotiate frequently with the
departments and bureaus of our gov
ernment. or course, courtesy pre-
vents his expressing an opinion on the
/, American cabinet, but such an express
sion would be welcomed.
At every turn one may hear the dec.
laration that there is need for radical
changes in the personnel OF President
Wilson's cabinet. First one member,
then another comes in for criticism,
and It Is significant that those who
are most closely associated with the
conduct Of the war have few defenders
rs comrared with the number OF their
critics.
It is possible that America. always
impatient, is unreasonable now IN de-
mand for marked efficiency In crisis
for which there is no precedent. 1t is
quite possible that. should President
Wilson heed the demands for house
Meaning in the cabinet. he could not
lelect men who could win the plaudits
IEf the whole public. On the other
ykhand. it Is equally possible that should
me make some changes, he might bring
q nto his circle OF advisers men strong
1 nouah to command the respect and
\ bnfldence of an overwhelming major.
7ity or the American public.
Lord Northcliffe, with his experience
in England and his knowledge OF
America. no doubt would be able to
rive a valuable opinion as to which OF
these possibilities is the more a prob
ABILITY. We Of America may only spec.
ulate and wait
It Is regrettable, however, at this
time when the need for special
strength in the administration Is coin
cident with opportunity to disregard
party lines and impress the very best
talent the nation possesses for each
I particular post that the cabinet does
mot inspire greater measure of popu-
1ar confidence.
81 Administrations Of the past have
ihad cabinet members who did not
measure up to the requirements Of
{their jobs, but always there have been
isome who more than met the specifca-
jtions. The result was an average
strength which compensated IN great
measure for individual weaknesses.
There comes to mind now the names
Of Olney, Hay. Root, Knox, Shaw, Taft,
llama JIM Wilson and Dickinson.
Each OF these, when in the cabinet,
had q considerable individual follow
ing. 4 definite popularity with large
proportion Of the citizenship and a
high degree of special ability for his
official work.
ls there any man in the present cab
iYet whose name suggests itself as an
addition to this list? Win any OF the
present presidents advisers be remem-
bered in a decade or two as one who
more than measured up to his job?
I II negative reply obtrudes here,
perhaps it Is an indication that Presi.
dent Wilson would be strengthening
his own hands and increasing the
measure OF his service to the country
should he reorganize his cabinet.
And having proceeded thus far in
the speculation. is it not well to ask
ourselves another question: whether it
Is POSSIBLE. in this period of Stress, to
f.nd men peculiarly adapted to the sew
eral cabinet positions? Would Il not
be wise. at least, to try?
President Wilson mas an opportunity
which has not been offered to any of
his predecessors since Lincoln. He
need take no cognizance Of party lines
or party principles. He need have no
fear. indeed, that his summons to ser
vice would be answered with declin-
alton. Patriotism would not permit
any American who is big enough for
n war cabinet position to refuse to
eerve II requested by the chief execu-
tive.
It is a mistake. perhaps. to demand
!, REORGANIZATION Immediately. The
bcountry at large cannot enjoy the init
innate acquaintance with every condi-
Ition which OF necessity Is possessed
}by the president. But there can be no
improperly in nationwide Discus
/ sion OF the individual and composite
ability Of the cabinet members. If they
ere the proper men such discussion
will beget the confidence the public
should repose in them. If they are not
the proper men, the same discussion
will disclose that fact and perhaps sug-
scst the persons who are fitted particu-
larly to discharge the exacting duties
of a war cabinet.
CENTRALIZED ENTERPRISE.
II there is one fact which the pres
ent war has taught America and which
stands ont with more prominence than