The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-02-18
LOWDEN WTTHDRAWS
NAME FROM LISTS
Name Had Been Suggested in Con-
nection With Naval Seere-
taryship.
(Ry Associated Press)

ST. AUGUSTINE, Feb. 17.--Presi-
dent elect Harding's cabinet problem
developed another difficulty today
when Frank o. I,owdon. former gov
ernor Of Illinois and a->leading candi-
date for president at last years re-
publican convention, sent word that
he could not permit himself to be con-
sidered longer for secretary of the
navy.
The former governors definite dec
lination left blank in the cabinet
slate which may not be readily filled
Although he had indicated before that
he did not desire the appointment, Mr..
Harding and his advisers had stood
pat and counted on a change OF mind
to make the selection. AS a result
they now must begin sorting over a
considerable list of other men men
toned for the navy portfolio. Where
in choice may fall is regarded as the
most uncertain question left in the
whole cabinet situation.
In asking that his name be erased
from the tentative cabinet list, Mr..
Lowden wired the president-elect that
his personal affairs made it impossi-
BILE for him TO enter the public service
at the present time. Thus he removed
himself also from the field Of possi-
biiities for diplomatic appointments,
with which his name had been linked.
Whatever inside story was behind the
Lowden action there was no indica-
tions at Mr.. Haraing's headquarters
that serious friction had developed
regarding It. The president elect ex-
pressed extreme regret at the devel-
opment saying he held the former
governor in high regard and hoped
ever since election to bring him into
the service of the government. 1t Isl
known that some Of the warmest
Lowden supporters at the Chicago
convention have brought influence to
bear for Mr.. Lowden's selection toll
the secretaryship OF the treasury,
known to have been virtually awarded
TO Andrew Mellon of Pittsburgh. 9th
ers sought his appointment as ambas-
sador TO Great Britain or France. I'll
Is considered likely that in casting
about for an available man for the
navy portfolio Mr.. Harding will give
particular attention to the qualifica-
tons OF the southern republicans now
being put forth for cabinet honors. II
is understood this possibility was dis
cussed by him today with A. T. Hert
national committeeman for Kentucky
who himself has been recommended
as available cabinet material. AS a
Iacific coast representative in the
cabinet, the qualifications of Senator
Miles Poindexter OF Washington to be
secretary of the navy, have been
called to tho president elects atten-
tion. and he also has received recon-
mendations for several members oil
the house naval committee.
The navy problem and available
candidates for the portfolios of com
merce and labor, the only others which
nave not been virtually awarded were
talked over at length by the president
elect today with Harry M. Daugherty
OF Ohio. his former campaign man
ager. Mr.. Daugherty, who is expected
70 be the next attorney general. will
Temain here for several days.
Along with the cabinet situation
Mr. Harding Is giving considerable at
tention to appointments he must make
early in his administration for MEM
bership on the interstate commerce
commission and the shipping board.