The Prince George's enquirer and southern Maryland advertiser., 1922-01-27
Will HAYS TO
QUIT CABINET
As Directing Head of Movie Pro-
ducers and Distributors He
Hopes to Improve Industry.
GAINS PRESIDENTS CONSENT
Harding Says He Cannot Well Inter-
pose Any Objection to Work So
Important-To Be "Landis
of Movies"

Washington. - Postmaster General
Hays announced his decision to accept
leadership Of the motion picture indus
try. He Will withdraw from the cabi-
net when the contract is executed and
signed. After gaining the consent OF
the President to sever his connections
with the administration, he arranged
to meet the motion picture representa-
tives in New York.
Agreement to head the picture pro-
ducers and distributors was made con-
ditional on the terms Of the contract,
concerning which Mr.. Hays expects no
difficulty. He has received written
memorandum setting forth the ambi-
tions of the moving picture men for
the development Of the industry, and
an understanding exists as to the
financial compensation.
With the information that the post
master general finally had made
known his intention of resigning, con-
gressmen and officials began to name
candidates for the vacancy. The most
pronounced movement favored the
promotion of DR.. Hubert Work, first
assistant postmaster general. Sena-
tor Harry S. New (Rep., Ind.) virtual
ly eliminated his name from the slate,
despite we'll Informed opinion that
President Harding desired his pres
ence at the cabinet table. He an
nounced he was not interested in a
cabinet place, but would seek renomi-
nation to the senate.
Mr.. Hays made public his tentative
acceptance of the offer after confer
ring for three-Quarters of an hour
with the President. He made this
statement:
with the Presidents consent
have decided to undertake the work
suggested by the motion picture pro-
ducers and distributors. No contract
has been executed as yet. I am as
Stunning, of course, that satisfactory
contract will be possible and one
which will make certain the carrying
out of the high purposes contemplated
for this great industry"
At the same time President Hard
ing gave out the following:
"The postmaster general and l have
been discussing at considerable length
the proposal which has been made to
him to become the head Of national
association of motion picture pro.
ducers and distributors. If the ar
rangement proves to be, when the de.
tails are worked out, what it seems
to be, I cannot we'll interpose any OBJ
lection to Mr.. Hays retiring from the
cabinet to take up work SO impor-
tant. 1t Is too great an opportunity
for helpful public service for him to
refuse. l shall be more than sorry to
have him retire from the cabinet,
where he has made so fine record, but
we have agreed to look upon the situa-
ton from the broadest viewpoint and
seek the highest public good"
Mr.. Hays was unable to designate
the exact time he will leave the cabi-
net. He has no desire to rush his de-
parture, but believes that since the
step has been taken he must burn the
bridges.
The date for his assumption Of the
moving picture duties depends upon
the desire of the producers and dis
tributors and the details Of the con.
tract worked out. The meeting with
the moving picture men may last one
day or several. Following the ac-
ceptance, Mr.. Hays will resign and
make a trip to his home In Sullivan,
Ind, and then return to New York.
Mr.. Hays declines to name the sal
ary attached to the offer. Information
in New York has been that he will
draw $150,O00 annually, the contract
to run for three years.
From competent sources it was
learned that If Mr.. Hays and the mo.
ton picture interests agree upon de.
tails of, the new arrangement and a
final contract is signed within q
month, Mr.. Hays will tender his for.
NAL resignation from the Harding
Cabinet to take effect on March 4.