The Washington times., 1920-12-03
CHOOSE 'H|L[,'
NOT CABINET
Senators Agree They Won't
Take PortfoIios-Knox Alone
Is Possibility for Post.
By GEORGE r. HOLMES.
International News Service.

Out OF series OF conferences
which Harry M. Daugherty, political
mentor to President-elect Harding
has had with Republican leaders In
Washington II developed today that
a number Of Republican Senators
have entered into what practically
amounts to "gentlemen's agree
ment" not to enter the Harding
Cabinet after March 4.
LODGE ALARMED.
This move has been taken not be-
cause Cabinet portfolios were unat-
tractlve. but because nearly all the
powerful and influential Republican
members of the Senate have at some
time or other been reported at leav-
ing the "Hill' for the other end OF
Pennsylvania avenue.
This was particularly alarming to
Senator Henry Cabot Lodge. the O..
o. i. leader in the Senate. and ac-
cording to reports. he gathered about
him some OF the men most proni-
nently mentioned and pointed out
that the Senate should receive their
primary consideration.
senator Lodges public stateme Mt
expressing the hope" that Senator
Harry &. New, OF Indiana, would con-
tinue in the Senate was the direct
result OF these conferences. Senator
New is not only one OF Senator
IIarding's closest political advisers.
but one of his closest personal friends.
and was one of the few original
Harding men. 1t had been conceded
Senator New could have any Cabinet
post he desired. His name had been
mentioned prominently in connection
with the War Department and Post
master General posts.
Senator Lodges action has definite
ly set at rest all rumors that he him
self Is a Cabinet possibility. Along
with Elihu Root and Senator Philan-
der G. Knox, OF Pennsylvania. Lodge
had been prominently mentioned as
possible Secretary OF State.
KNOX NOT ELIMINATED.
AS n result of these conferences,
there remained today only one Re
publican Senator who could he con-
sidered of more than passing promi-
nence for Cabinet honors. This Ia
Knox, of Pennsylvania. whether he
will join his Senatorial colleagues in
voluntarily eliminating himself from
consideration remains to be seen.
Harry NJ Dougherty has a conference
scheduled with the Pennsylvania Sen
ator today.
The voluntary elimination of a
number of Senators has another ad-
vantage, as Republican leaders view
Il. They believe IL will effectually
set al rest the charges hurled all over
the country during the campaign Of
Senatorial Oligarchy' running the
executive as well as the legislative
branches Of the Government I'm case
Harding was elected.
or all the names of Cabinet possi-
bilities mentioned since November .,
there are only two which are con-
sidered in Washington virtually GER
tain OF appointment. These are for
mer Senator George w. Sutherland of
Utah and former Senator John w.
Weeks OF Massachusetts. Only the
posts TO which they will be appointed
remain in doubt. according to Hard
ing's friends here.
Senator James y. Watson Of In
diana went to Philadelphia today to
confer with Senator renrose. ostensi-
bly, over fnanciel legislation.
Daugherty will leave Washington
tonight for Norfolk. where he will
meet Senator Harding on his arrival
from Panama. Edward II. Mclean
and Senator Davis Elkins OF West
Virginia nlso will go to the port to
welcome the Harding party.