The Greeneville daily sun. (Greeneville, Tenn.) 1918-1920, 1920-06-26
A STRONG CABINET.

wel-known Washington correspondent says that
there is talk among republican political leaders
"about novel way of approaching the American cleo
torate this year. which Isl in brief, the selection of
Cabinet officers before the election and the announce
ment Of their names to the country. This would be-
indeed, novelty, but IS attractive one, particu-
lay in the present situation and idea justifcs
serious consideration The chief criticism against the
Wilson administration is that it is oneman govern
ment The people Of this country do not like the
appearance of dictatorship. and there has been al
most much criticism of the President from demo-
Gratis this ground from republicans Mr. Wilson'S
Cabinet has from the beginning been composed of men
who, with few exceptions were unknown to the coun-
try at the time Of their appointment. Leaving out
Bryan and Garrison there is hardly in the unusually
large number of who have served in his Cabinet
Of whom the great majority Of Americans had heard
before his elevation. And, wit hsome exceptions they
have not been men Of great capacity Nor have they
been treated by Mr. Wilson associates in the govern
ment but subordnctcs who expected always to
reflect the wishes of their chief That attitude was
revealed conspcuously in the summary dismissal of Mr.
Lansing who had the sympathy of practically the entire
country in his forced retirement
Whatever may be the capacity of a President the
people do not like to him Ego it alone" No man
nfallibe and in relation to office of such powers
and responsibilities there general feeling that there
IS greater safety in wise counsel Senator Harding, if
he elected could make popular move than to
surround himself with men who are known to the peo-
pie and who have their respect and confidence Cab
met so composed would not lessen the dignity nor the
powers of the President and it would give strength to
the administration that no individual qualities in the
executive could attain 1t has been the usual practice
from Washigtons time down. to fill the cabinet posts
with the most eminent men in the nation Washngtons
Cabinet was composed of Thomas Jefferson Alexander
Hamilton, Henry Knox, Timothy Pickering and Edmund
Randolph and no say that his luster was ever
dmmed by these great associates Nor was Lincon's
by Seward, Cameron, Stanton Welles and Donnson On
the contrary supertvey great as these Presidents WERE
their position strengthened by the character and
quality of their Cabinet officers
Cabinet appointments usually considered and often
decided upon before the election We know of good
reason against their selection and announcement pre-
vous to the election There may be good reasons 1t
NAV be difficult to meke such decisions far in adj
But II 1t could pc done, ana ule scecIoiS cou
e Of the high character indicated there can be no doubt
that it would add very much to the weight of the ticket
It would be an assurance of wisdom in the admnistra-
ion of the government that personal quality or no
personal promise could give. 1t would be guaranty OF
policy widely contrasting with the present one pohcy
hat would bring the best minds in the country to the
service of government instead of depending wholly upon
me The material for such Cabinet is ample Taft,
Root, Hughes Knox, Wood, Hoover, Lowden, Cummlns
re name, that come at to the mind but there arc
many others of the quality required The Cabinet of
GERS aro leads of departments, each with tremendous
responsibility of his own. Upon their character and
capacity depends in very large measure the successful
management of these departments 1t would be very
encouraging and very persuasive if the electorate could
NOW in advance that these departments were to be
placed in the hands of undoubtedly capable ana
that these men would be the official advisers OF the
President in forming the policies of the government
St Louis Globe Democrat