The New York herald., 1921-02-23
Davis, Duncan and Nolan
Are Rivals for Labor De-
partment, Only Post
Left Open.
EXPECT SELECTION SOON
Announcement Of Acceptance
Of Commerce Office by Her
bert Hoover Is Pre-
dicted To-day.

obNNto = WV
kp.ctai Despatch TO THE New YORK HERALD.
ST. AUGUSTINE, Feb. 22.-President-
elect Harding's Cabinet virtually is
complete. He has to receive from
Edwin DENLY of Michigan an accept
ance of his offer of the Secretaryship
of the Navy, and to decide between
two, or possibly three, men for Sec
retary Of Labor. The final selection
for the latter place many not be made
for a day or two. but the slate as it
stands now. with little chance Of any
change. is as set forth in the adjoin-
Ing column.
head the Labor Department appears
10 be the only one about which there
may be doubt, and it is possible that
IT. too, has been made. James j.
Davis Of Pennsylvania seems to be in
the lead but conflicting influences
that. have been brought to bear within
The last day or two regarding this
place make any announcement prema-
ture in advance of an official state
ment.
Davis StflI Leading.
Mr.. Davis has been one of the
enigmas of the situation. His strength
has been apparent since his name first
was introduced among the Cabinet
possibilities. His standing as a labor
man has been challenged; the ques-
ton Of his residence has been dis
puted: but after every conference his
name has remained well up among the
list of possibilities. James Duncan of
Massachusetts, a vice-president Of the
American Federation of Labor. and
Representative John I. Nolan of Call
fornia, a member of the iron molders'
organization, whose name also has
been mentioned, appear to be alter
mates in Mr.. Harding's mind.
Some weeks ago Mr.. Harding sug-
gested the possibility OF surprise to
the correspondents forecasting Cabinet
selections. Mr.. Harding was a good
prophet. News of the selection OF
Edwin DENLY of Detroit as Secretary
OF the Navy came In advance of any
suggestion that he was under serious
consideration. Mr.. Denby's acceptance
of the Navy portfolio might have been
announced to-day had 1t not been for
the blizzard that interrupted telephone
communication between Florida and
the North last night. 1t is expected
10 be in Mr.. Harding's hands to-mor-
row.
Three Terms in Congress.
Mr.. DENLY will bring TO the Navy De-
partment knowledge OF it's affairs gath
cred as former member OF the Naval
Affairs Committee OF the House. He
ssrv.d as n gunner's mate In the Span
ish war. and In the world war started
as a sergeant of marines. and now Is
Major In the Officers Reserve Corps.
Mr.. DENLY was born in Evansville. Ill.
His father was American Minister to
China in the sos. and during his faith
er's service there young DENLY was
Chinese Imperial Customs Service After
returning to America he settled in De-
troIt. was three times elected to Con
eress and served as member OF the
Committee on Naval Affairs OF the
House.
Announcement OF Herbert Hoover's
scceptance OF the Commerce portfolio is
.xpected to be made tomorrow There
appears to have been much less uncer-
tainty concerning this place than last
minute reports from other sources would
Indicate Mr. Harding put check op-
posite Mr.. Hoover's name some time ago.
and IL went into the list with those OF
Hughes and Daugherty. II Is well un-
derstood by every one who has been
studying Mr.. Harding's Cabinet selec-
ton that Mr. Hoover. Ike Mr.. Hughes.
will be making considerable sacrifice
from the viewpoint OF annual earnings
by taking Cabinet office.
Just before noon to-day telegram 20
Herbert Hoover was despatched from
Mr.. Hal ding's headquarters here With
In an hour a replying telegram was re-
ceived to the effect that Mr. Hoover was
not In his offices and not at that mo-
ment available. However. the telegram
proceeded Mr.. Hoover would be at n
certain address in New York at 6
o'clock. The telephone number Of that
house was included In the message.
Promptly Mt o'clock telephone con-
nections were made between here and
the given address. and Mr.. Harding and
Mr.. Hoover talked for nearly fifteen
minutes. IL is more than mere con-
lecture that Mr.. Hoover asked Mr.. Har-
ding TO give him twelve hours In which
10 make final decision. IL Is understood
Mr. Hoover pleaded that II was impera-
tive that he first interview friends with
whom he had made tentative business
agreements.
Mr.. Harding to-day confirmed the inn
preston that was created when he an
nounced the appointment Of Mr.. Hughes
AZ Secretary OF state. He was asked