The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-02-26
HOOVER PILL IS
 BITTER DOSE FOR , SOME REPUBLICANS
Johnson UnfriendIy to Food Expert and Harding May Have Displeased "Boss"
 Penrose In Naming
By HUGH W. ROBERTS Washington Bureau The Age-Herald
 

500 Davidson Building : Washington, February 25.-The idea prevails that Warren G. Harding, aft Ter proving it impossible to please ev- -erybody, yielded to kind of despera- .tion before inviting Herbert Hoover to become a member of his cabinet. : Mir. Harding, for the first time since 3ris nominations has displayed indepen- sdence in the face of boss opposition. There is no question. but that in nam ing Hoover he slapped in the face all the great senatorial leaders of his party.
 This slap may ali enate the affection sof the bosses, and that alienation rnight result in the disruption of the party. It is apparent, however. that non-partisan observers are delighted and hope that the first display of in- dependence will be followed by an endless chain of others to the great benefit of the country as country of individuals rather than parties.
 It is generally known that there are two antagonistic wings of the fepub- lcan party in the Senate. Each of these wings has respect for Hoover. Senator Penrose. head of the stand B. with Hoover, and has never deeply scored As is recalled, Penrose dis missed Hoovers presidential aspira- tions with the simple statement that Hoover is not my kind of party man." to which, Hoover replied, T am well pleased; for Penrose is not my kind of party man."
 AND HIRAM, roo
 . The so-called progressive" wing is 1x-. TNh A4w ralj fnr- mia. When Johnson was presidential Candidate, Hoover ran against him in "a preferential primary in California. It was a bitter and sensational strug- gle Each man aggressively and fear lessly. and perhaps truthfuflly, spoke his mind of the other. When the smoke of. battle was lifted, Johnson had carried California, ebut Hoover had cut into his strength, permanently alienated many of his friends, and sorely wounded his pride. Johnson has scolded and abused him since that struggle whenever an opportunity presented itself.
 Therefore, 1t is easily discernible to just what extent Harding has shown his contempt for Penrose and John son. Of course, Harding feels, possibly, that Penrose should not be .resentful inasmuch as that leader unquestiona- bly, nominated J. J. Davis and A. w. Mellon, both of Pennsylvania, the lat ter over the violent protests of the Anti-Saloon league which knows that the prospective cabinet officer has been interested in the Overholt Distilling company. And Harding pos sibly has in mind method of appeas- ing Johnson. But unquestionably he has offended, and they will certainly sulk in their tents if they do not open ly take the warpath.
 MUGWUMP, MAYBE
 The injury is not confined to the leaders of the rival wings. The rank and file is sore. The rank and file hates the word, "democrat,"' and be- lieves that anyone who ever affiliated with democrats is forever tainted. Of course, it is a question as to whether Hoover is a democrat or a republican Once upon a time he was a member of a prominent republican organization of New York. He resigned, however, to accept position under the demo- cratic administration. In 1916 he sup ported Woodrow Wilson Tn 1920 when m incipient presidential candidate, he declined for several months to an- nounce the party with which he in- tended permanently to affiliate. So mooted became the situation. that democrats in several states, notably Georgia, tried to force him to run in presidential democratic primaries. And then he declared himself a republican. and when he so declared, it was gen erally regarded as certain that the republican was the stronger party of the two
 MOSES AND FERNALD
 A conversation between Senator Moses of New Hampshire and Senator Fernald of Maine was overheard. Fernald asked Moses if Hoover in 1916. had not published a statement in New Hampshire calling on the people to support Woodrow Wilson.
 He did not go that far" said Moses. But he was quoted by Senator Lewis or Illinois. speaking in New Hamp- shire. as urging the election of the democratic ticket. I know this because answered the Lewis speech, and referred to the Hoover incident
 But continued Moses with a wry grin. you cannot object to the in- cluslon Of democrat in the cabinet?"
 Yes indeed. I can and do." said Fernald. II had been led to believe that the Harding administration would be republican administration. and strictly a party administration
 That Illustrates how all of them feel and amOng themselves talk.