The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-02-23
But Herbert Hoover VIII Ac-
cept Seat in Cabinet.
Final Decision Will Be Sent to
Harding on Thursday.
THREE HAVE NOT ACCEPTED
DENLY and Davis Not Heard
From by Harding.
Prospective Navy Chief en-
Route to st. Augustine.

New York, Feb. 23.-Herbert
Hoover has tentatively decided to ac-
cept the position of secretary of COM
nerce in the Harding cabinet, it was
learned authoritatively this afternoon.
His decision will be communicated to
President-elect Harding tomorrow, It
was understood, unless something un-
foreseen arises in the meantime to
make him change his mind.
Meanwhile, Hoover is continuing
conferences with friends, many of
whom advise him not to accept the
proffer, on the ground that he would
be showed into the background by TAX
ing the inconspicuous post of head OF
the commerce department.
On the other hand those who want
him to accept, point out that refusal
would give ammunition to enemies
who then could say he is not a true
Republican because he turned down
an offer of high honor in the admin
istration.
1t was stated this afternoon that
Hoover had made up his mind to ac-
cept, and that unless something hap
pened to make him reverse his decl-
sion over night, his acceptance would
go to Harding tomorrow. No formal
announcement will be made here, 1t
was stated.
Does Not Want job.
1t may be stated on the highest
authority that Hoover does not want
the cabinet position. or any other po-
litical job. He had reiterated this
many times since his war work
brought him into prominence, and the
formal offer of q secretaryship has not
changed him. His reasons for not
wanting to enter political life may be
summed up thus:
He feels he can be of greater public
service outside than inside the gov
ernment He wishes to complete his
present European relief work: When
his charity administration is finished,
he desires to re-engage in his profess
sion of engineering
Little Chance For Changes.
st. Augustine, Fla. Feb. 23.-With
only a few formalities remaining to
finally cIoset up the selection of his
cabinet President ELECT Harding gave
his attention today to other immediate
appointments and to the preparation
of his inaugural address.
The chance that changes wills be
made now. in the cabinet personnel is
considered remote, altho Mr.. Harding
realizes that contingencies requiring
last minute shifts are easily within
the range of possibility. Formal in
Vitatlons and acceptance have not yet
been exchanged in regard to three of
the men selected has been felt out in
directly.
Three Have Not Accepted.
The three from whom formal ac-
ceptances are still to come are Edwin
DENLY of Michigan; Herbert Hoover
of California and James ]. Davis of
Pennsylvania, slated respectively for
the portfolios of navy, commerce and
labor.
There have been published reports
that Mr.. Hoover might decline but
they are not credited by Mr.. Harding
understood to have been decided on is
that of George B. Christian as secre-
tary to the president. Mr.. Christian
has been Mr.. Harding's private secre-
tary since he entered the senate six
years ago and altho there has been no
formal announcement every indication
has pointed to his retention.
Mr.. Christian is At years old and
has been neighbor of the Hardings
in Marion for years. He is a grad
uate of Pennsylvania military college
with a degree of civil engineer. and
before he became secretary to Hard
ing was general manager of a Marion
lime and stone company.
He has a wide official acquaintance
gained during his six years in the ma
tional capital and in the course of his
confidential relations with Mr. Hard
ing during the 1920 campaign.
DENLY Now en- Route
Detroit, Feb 23.-Edwin DENLY.
President-elect Hardings selection for
secretary of the navy, left here earl,
today for st. Augustine, Fla, to con-
fer with Mr.. Harding. Mr.. DENLY was
in telephone communication with Mr..
Harding last night. when the confer
ence was agreed upon. Asked if he
planned to accept the secretarysTlip
should it be formally rendered him, he
indicated that he would.