The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-05
DAWES DECLINES
 CABINET JOB AND
 BOTHERS HARDING
Fiery Chicagoan Is Something New In PoIitics-Independ- ence and Experience
 Abroad Were Needed
By ROBERT IT. SMALL

Palm Beach, Fla, Feoruary fSpecial Further reports reaching the Harding party here indicate that Charles G. Dawes of Chicago virtual- ly has eliminated himself from fur ther consideration as Secretary of the Treasury. MT. Dawes was offered the place, put it has been doubtful Tor week past if he would accept
 Pressure was brought to bear upon him by such good friends and politlcal viseacres as Fred W. Upham and Gov ernor Lowden to accept the capinet most. but MT. Dawes has an indepen- dsnc. somewhat rare in organized politics and he has decided apparently to 20 his own way and keep out or the limelight for the time being.
 The elimination of MT. Dawes would seem to open the way clear Tor the appointment of Andrew W. Mellon or !, pittsbury as head of the treasury de- nartment for the next four years. A p.rt;cu1arlv strong drive has been made for MT. Mellon and he would nave c1ven MT. Dawes a race for the post m any circumstances. John J. DAVIS oi pittsburg, formerly a structural steei worker, has been selected as secretary of Labor, according to the best uh- derstanding of the cabinet slate nere' 10 it would seem that the western Pennsylyania metropolis is to have the unusual distinction of providing TWO members of presidential cabinet.
 DAWES IS NEEDED
 The passing of MT. Dawes as cab o- inet possibility is viewed by some or Senator Harding's closest friends as fittle short of calamity. Not that yMr. Mellon is regarded as at all doubt full as an able Secretary Of the Treas- ury, but MT. Dawes combined in him- self so many desirable qualities as cabinet adviser
 MT. Harding at the moment has in mind for his official family no one with any international point of view.
 This statement is made on the very good assumption that no man can have an international point of view or an international understanding unless he has had few years expert ence abroad Senator Harding him self has recognized this assumption. He has stated that we cannot under stand other peoples until we have minglfd with them. MT Dawes as a brigadier general in the American ex- peditionary forces. and as director of the allied purchases, got an insight into European affairs which few men in the United States can boast. He would have been a tower of strength to the next administration.
 As matters now stand MT. Harding will have about him no one who can give first hand information as to Flu rope. He and his cabinet will be de- pendent upon subordinates.
 STILL A CHANGE
 There still is a chance that this sit IN 1fo<3 M P lo oy6~ ing has not selected Secretary of Commerce. This particularly is post which will have an international re- lationship, and it may be that before announcing the complete make up of the cabinet Mr. Harding may find for the commerce portfolio man who had the advantage of service abroad during the war. Most of Senator Hard ings friends say it is folly to hold to the idea that the United States in the future can hold itself entirely alooi from Europe.
 Whether MT. Harding would have fl so or not, European questions of an entansling nature will crop up very early in his administration and will have to be dealt with intelligently \ Europe is indebted to the United States in the sum of about $14,000, ,000,0 900 Oi this amount $10,oo0. 900, 900 was loaned to the allied governments. The addt- tfonal $4,OO0, 100000 represents pur- chases of American supplies in France
 With General Dawes eliminated nc one at present regarded as a cabinet probability had experience abroad dur ing the war or during the period oi readjustment. In this respect the Harding administration is likely te open with distinct handicap. Sen ator Harding himself is aware of the possibilities and there is no doubt he feels considerable disappointment tha the services of General Dawes are tG siba loat to him