Arizona republican., 1921-02-25
PRESIDENT ELECT MAY MAKE LAS
 MINUTE CHANGES IN CABINET LIST
LRepubiican A. p. Leased wire1

ST. AUGUSTINE. Fla, Feb 24.- President-elect Harding emphasized today that he was proceeding warily about definite commitments as to his cabinet appointments and would keep himself free until the last minute to make changes.
 Mir. Harding announced that eight of the ten selections still were susceptible of cancellation if last minute consid erations seem to warrant. There was nothing in his declaration, however. to suggest changes are probable. The nearest approach to a doubtful case he indicated was that of Herbert Hoover, who has been tentatively as- signed the portfolio of commerce. Mir. Hoover has attached qualifications to his entrance into the cabinet. and formal declaration will not be made until after deliberation.
 Mir. Harding said he had not received the letter in which Mir Hoover set forth these conditions. He could make no comment when shown statement MT. Hoover issued today saying he would take the commerce portfolio only if he were permitted to reor ganize his department
 1 Reorganization of the executive de- partments, however, is one of the first steps planned by the new administra-
 tion and it was understood that the formal confirmation of MT. Hoover's selection would hinge on the detailed reorganization methods he proposes.
 If his plan fits in with that of MT. | Harding, he generally is expected here | to go into the cabinet.
 | So far as formulated, MT. Harding's s plan contemplates a reorganization commission with some one outside the lcabinet in direct charge and respon-
 sible to the president ond congress.
 It is pointed out that to give one cab s-l.~w., ,...a% fr, the decisions might prove embarrass- ling and it is known that the president elect has sought a set of secretaries who will not be jealous of prerogatives that the commission might want to transfer from one department to an Iother. Mr. Harding has expressed his Iadmiration for Mir. Hoover's ability as
 an organizer, and it is understood that lthe former food administrator is one of those he has considered as possible head of the commission.
 | Furthermore. MT. Hoovers reorgani- zation plans. as understood here, seem to contemplate establishment of such .
 bureau as Mir. Harding has proposed flor industrial and commercial research
 It seemed unlikely tonight that de lcision would be reached soon on the
 question raised by Mir. Hoover Before moon tomorrow MT. Harding will leave
 by automobile for Jacksonville. where he is to be a guest at public Luncheon . and later attend Masonic ceremony
 Saturday he is to confer with EdwiI . Denby of Detroit, his choice for secre f tary of the navy.
 With MT. Denby the president cleo lis expected to go over the naval prob . Items and the general belief is that tn conference will clinch the Detroi , lman's appointment so far as it may b. I done now. In declaring the cabine slate still tentative, the president-elec
 indicated it would remain so virtual, until the cabinet nominations are sen to the senate. The only exceptions h
 made were those of Charles E. Hughe t of New York as secretary of stat = and Harry l.. Daugherty of Ohio a attorney general
 i, The president-e -elect declared that hi 5 mind would not be changed by news
 paper attacks on the men he ha 5 chosen. He said he thought 1t emi y nently unfair to criticise public me - before they had been given an oppor
 Itunity to demonstrate their ability i
 office and he added that his only re
 sponse would be to let the acts of hi
 administration speak for themselves