New-York tribune., 1921-03-15
r. A. C.. Smith Is
Slated to Head
ShippiingBoard
James A. Farrell Eliminates
Himself, Leaving United
Fruit mpany Man
With Little Opposition
Due To-day
Admiral Benson Said To Be
Certain of Membership;
List Virtually Complete
from The Tribuur's Ucahinofo, R,,.c,

From The Tribunc's Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON, March 14-President
Harding is expected tomorrow to send
to the Senate, which body he has asked
I to remain in special session one day
longer, the names of the seven men he
has selected to comprise the new
United States Shipping Board.
1t has been known for several days
that, with the exception Of the selec-
ton of q chairman, Mr.. Harding had
virtually decided upon the members of
the board and that the delay in getting
them before the Senate for confrma-
tion has been due entirely to the care
and thought he is exercising in his en-
deavor to obtain the right man for the
important position Of chairman.
1t is known that the list Of those
being considered for appointment has
narrowed down to as few as two or
three, and of these James A. Farrell.
president Of the United States Steel
cording to Mr. Farrell himself, follow
ing long conference he had with the
President late this afternoon. He said
that he should be eliminated from
speculation regarding the chairman
ship because, as he expressed it, "the
place has not been offered to me. nor
has any place on the board been go
tendered' He said he was not in a
position TO discuss the matter other
Il.
about it and that, as matter Of fact
the President. He said he discussed
principally commercial and business
matters in which the President was es-
pecially interested.
Smith TO See President
With Mr.. Farrell making, clear that
he is not to be considered. r. A. c.
smith, vice-president Of the United
Fruit Company, remains as the one
who is most prominently mentioned
for selection. 1t was intimated fol-
lowing the conference between the
Pres ident and Mr.. Farrell that Mr..
Smith would be sent for Immediately
and that announcement of his appoint
ment could be looked for some lime to-
morrow. However, this was given no
official confirmation.
That Mr. Smiths formidable position
in connection with the appointment Is
a matter of actual fact, and that the
probability of his selection is not mere
speculation, were the opinions formed
by those about the White House yester-
day following the conference between
! Mr.. Harding and rank G.. Munson, Of
New York He said he discussed various
matters concerning the reorganization
Of the Shipping Board, with the view to
making suggestions for improvement
and, according to his belief, the Presi-
dent had arrived at point where the
selection OF a chairman was the onl,,
thing now to be accomplished regard
ing the personnel of the new board.
Farrell or Smith Slated
He had no hesitancv in saving tina,
it was his opinion that the chairman
ship would 60 to either Farrell O,
Smith, although he knew of one othel
man who had been under con sidcration
but who, ne believed, had been elm.
mated. Mr.. Munson so expressed him
self after Mr.. Farrell conferred will
the President
1t also was the positive belief of Mr.
Munson that Admiral BENSON. the pres
ent head of the board, would be an
/ pointed as permanent member Of til,
/ board by President Harding. He sait
he, like the President, was convince,
Of Admiral Benson's capabilities an,
future usefulness on the board as re
suit of his training and past service a
chairman.
A score of names have been place
before the President for considerable, o,
for appointment to the board, but thos,
who are believed to have the bes
chances at this time, besides Mr. Smith
arc former Senator Chamberlain, o
Oregon; Colonel Charles Forbes ant
William c. Humphreys, of Washington
former Secretary of Commerce Alexan
der. of Missouri: Fred I. Thompson, O.
Alabama, and William Allen, of Louisi
ana.