Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-02-14
CABINET-MAkER
HARDING SLOWLY
SHAPING It UP
No Scrap of G. O. P.
Leaders Over Selec-
tons He Declares
Only Natural Efforts Of
Friends Aspirants for Places
in Official Family-South-
ener May Land One of
Berths-Naming Of Diplo-
mats After March 4

ST. Augustine, Fla. Feb. iS-Al-
though several decisions remain to
be made in regard TO cabinet selec-
tions, President-elect Harding is con-
fident the problem will be solved in
way acceptable to all elements of
his party.
Commenting today on reports OF
serious friction among Republican
leaders. the president-elect declared
he knew Of no feeling on the cabinet
question which did not grow out of
the normal and proper activities Of
the friends of contesting aspirants for
places in his official family. He said
he was satisfied with the progress
made and felt the whole situation
was tending to happy solution.
Mr.. Harding mentioned no names
and did not refer directly to pub
lished stories that some Republican
senators had vigorously opposed GER
tain tentative selections. He did de-
ny, however, stories that he was en-
countering more delay than he had
expected III completing his cabinet
slate.
One of the movements which has
taken on greater proportions recent
~ is that for selection of southern
Republican to the cabinet. The pres
ident-elect said he had received many
petitions in support of Representa-
tive Slemp of Virginia and several
others from southern states, but re-
garded these as more personal than
sectional in their nature. He would
throw no light on his intentions in
regard to southern representation in
the cabinet.
Although Mr.. Harding is consider
ing the question of diplomatic ap-
pointments along with the cabinet
problem, it is not expected now that
hes will attempt any selections for
Diplomatic posts before Inauguration.
To-day the president elect saw SEN
ator Mccormick of Illinois in regard
to foreign affairs and Senator Nc
Nary of Oregon, relative to a pro-
gram for western reclamation. He al
so had long talk with A. S. Hough,
editor of the Jacksonville Times-Un-
ion, about plans for a world peace as
ISOLATION and said afterwards he was
much impressed by Mr.. Hough's re-
concentrations.
Senator Mccormick who, recently
made a trip abroad and conferred with
many of the leading European states
men is understood to have brought Il
detailed report of the feeling among
them in regard to revision of the
league of nations covenant and rela-
tive subjects. He is said to have as
sured the president-elect that the Eu-
ropean nations stood ready to follow
the leader of the United States in the
formulation of a new basis for world
peace.
In connection with the visit of Sem
ator McNary it was learned that Sem
ator Chamberlain of Oregon, a Dem
ocrat, who was defeated for re-elec-
ton, is under consideration for one
of the Democratic places on the ship
ping board. Senator McNary is UNI
derstood to be in accord with such a
selection and Mr.. Harding has ex-
pressed many times his admiration
for Mr.. Chamberlain's abilities
Thomas w. Lamont Of New York
a partner of the Morgan banking firm
and member of President Wilson's
peace delegation at Versailles, is On
the president-elect's appointment list
for tomorrow. 80