New-York tribune., 1921-01-19
xr1rrr or THE ASSOCIATED pRxss
Why Hoover Is Wanted


During the discussion of the prob
lem of the new Cabinet The Tribune,
in common with others having at
heart the success of the Harding Ad-
ministration, has much emphasized
the need of starting off right-with
men as official advisers possessing
the confidence of the country, both
concerning their general qualities
and the particular knowledge of the
work assigned to them.
In this connection it has urged
consideration of men of the type of
Root, Wood and Hoover-each repre-
sentative of large body Of public
opinion and each a specialist. Now
more than ever before there is need
to impress this advice.
The President-elect is naturally
approached by many elf-seekers. 1t
is, of course, not easy for him to
preserve his sense of proportion in
an artificial atmosphere. Every true
friend Of Senator Harding therefore
should neglect no opportunity to ex-
hort him to disregard all petty ap-
peals and to cling firmly to the big
idea that he eloquently expressed the
morning after his triumphant elec-
tion.
Particularly fortunate will the
new President be if Mr.. Hoover's
name appears in the Cabinet list
in the place of Secretary Of Com
merce, for which his qualifications
are obvious. The Department of
Commerce SO far has been a disap-
pointment to the country. It has not
done, speaking broadly, the full work
expected of it. Its activities have
been largely routine. It has con-
tributed little to the great business
OF putting America where it belongs
in the economic world.
Mr. Hoover. properly supported,
should be able 10 &c much toward
making the Department Of Com
merce vital agency. He is interna-
tionally-minded as few Americans
are. He has prestige abroad. He
has knowledge of the worlds re-
sources and of the fields for future
development. Moreover, he under
stands the great principle of guam
tity production and modern organi-
zation of business, on the application
of which Americas future prosper
ity greatly depends. His knowledge Of
foreign credits and shipping would
be invaluable. If he should accept
the post the troublesome problem of
our merchant marine might we'll be
turned over TO his department. 1t
will be agreed, we think, that Mr..
Hoover is the best man we have to
be general superintendent Of the
country's foreign trade relations.
Mr.. Hoover is objected to by
groups of professional politicians
because he has not worked his way
up in their business and does not
talk their language. This is one of
the reasons why he should be Secre-
tary Of Commerce. A conventional
American politician can't do the
work. The mental habits Of such a
one disqualify him. He cannot well
escape from the limitations that are
the result of the career he has fol-
lowed. What the country needs is
one to whom the world is familiar
and who has understanding of the
psychologists of foreign peoples. The
objections to Mr.. Hoover are thus
trivial and irrelevant. They do not
bear on the question of what the
country wants him for.
Senator Harding properly enough
has been patient toward many coun-
seiiors. But at last he must Judge
Tor himself, and his common sense
Will instruct him that it is wise 10
forget most Of the insinuating advice
poured into his ear at Marion and To
remember that he will not serve him.
sell well IL when offered the best he
permitted himself to be cajoled into
taking up with the second best.