Evening journal., 1920-02-05
ANOTHER STEP TOWARD POPULAR GOVERNMENT

e ENATOR KENYON OF Iowa. has let II be known that
in the coming Republican National Convention he in
tends urge that each candidate for the Presidency shall
be required to make public before election the names OF
the he intends to appoint members of his Cabinet
II successful in his campaign The Senator declares that
he will fight for the inclusion Of such plank in the party
platform He also that he has prepared bill
carrying his ideas that will shortly be introduced in
the Senate.
Mr.. Kenyon insists that the personnel Of a Presidents
Cabinet should enter into the discussions Of political
campaign far than II has in the past. The people
should be made acquainted IN advance with the character
OF the men who Will head the Departments Of The Govern
ment when the nevlyeleeed Executive takes his place
in the White House Furthermore the Judgment dis
played by the candidate in selecting his Cabinet can be
taken by the voters correct index OF the manner In
which he win handle other matters that will come TO his
official attention
IF men are to secure Cabinet positions because OF
heavy contributions to the candidates campaign funds
says Senator Kenyon "et the public know IT, If some
body is to be appointed to Cabinet position who has no
special fitness for the place but has been able TO deliver
substantial number Of delegates to the successful can
dldate II is matter Of public II men are to be
appointed merely the ground OF personal friendship or
they may resemble Cabinet officers OF past age
let us know that also The Cabinet positions have grown
to be places OF tremendous power. Why should not the
know before he votes who to be the members
OF the Cabinet?"
Senator Kenyon's suggestion marks long step toward
the popularzlng OF government Never before the
present administration have the people been brought to
realization Of the Importance OF having competent men
at the heads the departments. During the four months
OF the Presidents illness those ten have practically
administered the affairs Of government. None OF them
was elected 10 office by popular vote In no way do they
bear warrant from the people for their acts, deriving
their power solely from the act OF single individual IN
appointing them TO office. Although the law provides no
means for the election Of Cabinet officer the fact that
successful candidate for the Presidency had previous 10
his election indicated who his appontees would be- SO
that the voters had their names In mind when casting
their ballots would provide close approximation TO
actual popular approval Of Cabinet officers
Mr. Kenyons policy might with advantage, be extended
so as to include candidates for nomination well as can
ddaes for election At the present time prominent mem-
bers of both parties in the field seeking favor al the
hands Of their party colleagues who viii compose the
national nominating conventions. How much more INTEL
ligenty delegates TO those meetings could act did they
but know In advance with whom each candidate intended
TO surround himself should be he chosen as the standard
bearer OF his party succeed in gaining the White
House There can be little doubt that should candidate
at this time adopt the suggestion and publish the names
Of his prospective Cabinet ne would sound appeal to
The voters that Il would be extremely difficult for his
competitors TO overcome. In addition he would furnish
substantial proof OF the sincerity Of his Intention TO give
the people the best government that available public men
could furnish. such declaration would command in
slant support.