Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-12-17
THE FAIR NEEDS THE MASTERLY
HAND OF HERBERT HOOVER
Opportunity Of Securing His Services as
Director General Is In the Highest
Dearee Stimulating and Pressing


uERBERT c. HOOVER comes to Phila-
dclphia today as the guest Of John
Wanamakcr at a luncheon to discuss the
Worlds Fair project. His visit is ad-
mirably timed.
Delay in filling the post Of Director Cen
eral of the Exposition has, without doubt.
been largely due to the difficulty of discover
ing and engaging an administrator of the
most authoritative, resourccful. energetic
and inspirational type, capable of co-ordi-
mating potential forces Of progress and ap-
plying them constructively TO work not
only of national but of international mag
nitude.
1t has been generally admitted-regarded,
indeed, as unarRuable--that Hoover would
fill the requirements. But the type is rare,
and there Is always the danger that ex-
cmplars may prove spurious.
Obviously, the most satisfying specimen
Is the present Secretary Of Commerce him
self. In a Hoover there may be prospects Of
achievement. In me Hoover there are guar
antees of performance that are incontro-
vertible.
The knock Of opportunity is not invariably
distinct. The present occasion. however, is
one in which the resonance and clarity of
the tapping are unmistakabIe
Herbert c. Hoover should be offered the
position of Director General of the Philadcl-
phia fair Of 1926 commcmorating the 150th
anniversary Of the birth of American inde-
pcndence. That offer should be made today.
The work is in every respect worthy Of
his characteristic abilities. If his accept
ancc can be spcured--and no effort of per-
suasion should be spared-thp undertaking
will rest upon n basis of confidence and
structure Of substantial hopes which have
hitherto been lacking.
The purpose Of the exposition is utterly
msconceivcd il it is viewed from the paro-
Chial standpoint. The fair will be localized
physically. as all such enterprises must be.
1t will signni2e an Cpochal event which
happened in this community.
But if it is to be crowned with success
its influence and appeal must be nation
wide. with an emphatic draft also upon the
interest and attention of the entire world.
With Mr.. Hoover in the director gcncralShip
the comprehensive scope of the project would
at once become impreSsively vivid.
The situation has its suggestive historic
parallel IN tho choice of Senator Hawlcy. of
Connecticut. for the direction of the Cen
tcnnial Exposition of 1876. 1t is of record
that the vigorous initiative and organizing
talents of this able administrator were
brilliantly instrumental in achieving n tri-
umph which. considering propOrtiOnnte
values. has not been surpassed in any other
exposition undertaking in the annals of the
Nation.
This precedent warrants recognition today
when the formula of the fright man for the
place. takes priority over local PRIDE"
however we'll intentionCd. There will be
pride to spare when the Fair translates
spiritual idea and a concept of history in
yI-ib,c terms Of splondor and beauty.
The loss Of Mr. Hoover to the Cabinet
would be serious. But even more grievous
would be failure to embrace the alluring
Glance Of providing him with n role pre-
ominonty suited to his acknowledged gifts.
In peculiarly happy conjunction Of cir
cNmstanccs Mr.. Hoovcrs career would be
given a logical and stimulating turn and the
Fair would begin Il new chapter bright with
promise