The New York herald., 1921-02-22

the Cabinet. Those who know some
thing of Mr. Harding's methods of work
ing out his probleme are of the opinion
that he is very adroitly using Mr. Mel
Ion to break down opposition TO Mr..
Hoover. In other words, when the anti
Hooverites come around to Mr.. Har-
ding's way of thinking and do it with
good grace, he win announce Mr. Mel
Ions appointment. II is believed by per-
sons In position to know something
about what is going on that this bit of
manoeuvring accounts for the fact that
Mr.. Mellon has not appeared here for
consultation with Mr. Harding. The
same may be true in connection with
the Labor portfolio. Supporters of Mr..
Mellon are not as sympathetic as
Mr.. Harding TO the proposal to name a
recognized labor man to head that de-
partment. and the President-elect may
be holding off announcement of the
Treasury place until they come into
more harmonious egreement
One thing may be stated with every
emphasis Mr.. Harding will determine
his selections for the three remaining
places in his Cabinet-Navy. Commerce
and Labor-as he has done those already
filled. with consideration for future as
well as immediate requirements.
In a talk to-day with Meyer bloomfield
organs. Mr. Harding made it plain that
in his selection of the Secretary of Labor
he Is considering not only the existing
relationship between employers and em-
ployees, but also the problems that he
foresees may arise. For this reason he is
marshalling all the reliable information
he can get on industrial conditions and
what 1t portends.
II was agreeably surprised" Mr..
bloomfield said to THE NEW YORK
HERALD. with Mr.. Harding's compre-
hensive grasp of the labor situation.
He has very keen appreciation of the
situation and a very definite plan for
the common benefit of both industry and
labor"
Half dozen men still are under con-
sideration for the Labor portfolio, but
the man eventually TO be selected must
have a record for the creation of con-
structive policies. and If he is TO be an
organized labor man must not be mere
ly an official whose duty has been to
carry out policies determined by his
superiors in the organization.
Mr.. Harding had an hours talk to-
day with w. Averell Hartman and
Richard II. Robinson of the American
Ship and Commerce Corporation, con-
corning shipping matters. The princi-
pal phase they discussed was the prob
lem of disposing of the Shipping Boards
vessels al q compensation equable to the
Government and also al a price that
would be fair for American shipping
concerns now competing with the most
of the world for foreign trade.
Mr. Harding was anxious to get Mr..
Harriman's views as those Of a practical
shipping man. IL Is known the Presi-
dent-elect is far from satisfied with the
functioning and accomplishments of the
United States Shipping Board. He is, in
fact, favorably disposed to the sugges-
ton for its complete adjustment as
soon as some substitute agency can be
devised He even is giving some thought
to tho suggestion that has been put tor
ward by Edward y. Hurley and others
for the creation of a Department of Ma
rine
An even more radical suggestion that
has been made to him is for the creation
of a Department of Transportation TO
take jurisdiction over all freight and
passenger movements by water or rail.
Mr.. Harding indicated. however, that he
did not think Congress was yet ready to
consider seriously any such extreme in
novation.