The Washington times., 1920-11-28

know nothing about II when ap-
pointed.
This would not be the case with
Mr.. Kahn. who, as chairman of the
Military Affairs Committee OF the
House and for years a member OF that
committee. knows the War Depart
ment from top to bottom thoroughly.
Presumably, II made Secretary of
War. he would be able TO take hold
OF the leaders OF the different groups
and factions In the department and
either induce or compel them to work
In harmony. He would also have a
chance TO see what he could do in the
abolition OF lot Of red tape which.
TO the civilian mind. seems absolutely
useless or worse than useless.
COMES FROM CALIFORNIA.
One OF the reasons urged for Mr.
Kahn's appointment Is that he Is from
California. from San Francisco. and
that his selection would please the
Pacific coast. A difficulty in the way
is the candidacy OF Congressman
Nolan OF California for the office Of
Secretary of Labor. Mr.. Nolan ha.
the strong support of much of organ
ized labor. Moreover. he and Hiram
Johnson are on good terms and IL
might be that Senator johnson would
favor his appointment rather than
that OF Mr.. Kahn.
Presumably. the open opposition of
Senator johnson would bar the ap-
pointment of Mr.. Kahn. but II is
hardly expected senator Johnson
would go far in such opposition. even
though he did favor Mr.. Nolan.
SPONSORED DRAFT LAW.
Mr.. Kahn did more to put the draft
law through Congress than any otner
man in that body He is popular with
the army. He is strongly for univer-
and this might prove an
in the way OF his appoint
ment since a large share OF the coun.
try now looks askance on universal
training. 1t would not be an insupcr-
able objection. however. even from
the standpoint OF those who oppose
universal training, since many heads
OF the War Department have favored
universal training. Practically no
amount of recomme ndation by the
Secretary of War for universal train
ing will drive Congress into il until
Congress thinks the public temper
would favor il, or, at least, would
stand for il.
Mr.. Kahn is one OF the leading
Jews of the United States. His Sc
lection would be pleasing to the
Jewish people. 1t would be pleasing,
too. in Congress-. where he is widely
known and much liked. n he were
to become Secretary OF War and then
proceed to take hold Of the War De-
partment and shake II up az most
nf fhtnLp ShnnlI ho
shaken, he would have the acclaim OF
House and Senate regardless of party.
In the recent campaign, Mr. Kahn not
only stumped for Mr.. Harding, but
he was exceptionally effective.
CHAMBERLAIN MENTIONED.
Senator Chamberlain of Oregon.
former chairman of the Senate Mill !
tary Committee, prominent Demo
crat, has been mentioned as a possible
Secretary of war under Harding. |
This is hardly probable despite the /
fact that Senator Chamberlain has !
done the country much valuable ser
vice. Senator Harding is party |
man, the Oregon Republicans have /
just defeated Senator Chamberlain !
FOR reelection and have elected Re. I,
publican to succeed him and il is easy
20 see they would not appreciate it
Z the new Republican Administra-
ion now should turn about and in
sure the complete political rehabili-
alton of Senator Chamberlain
The selection OF Mr.. Chamberlain,
therefore. is improbable, but there are /
many circumstances favoring Mr..
<ahn's selection. or course, if Mr..
picks Mr.. Nolan for Secre-
ary of Labor, a place which he has
strong claims to. he would hardly
,ut another Californian in the Cabi-
let. unless he should yield to the !,
pressure in behalf of Herbert Hoover,
Who is an Iowan by birth, and a Cali
ornian by adoption.