The Omaha morning bee. [volume] (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927, 1923-02-28
NeWChosen
Mail Chief
by Harding
Indiana Senator Given Post
office Portfolio, Although
Opposition Was Found in
Home State.
w ork Succeeds Fall

w Ork CuCCeeQS Tall
Washington, Feb. 81. - President
Harding today effected the greatest
change his cabinet has undergone
since his administration began nearly
two years ago by designating DR..
Hubert Work of Colorado, now post
master general. to be secretary of
the interior, succeeding Albert B. Fall
of New Mexico, and Senator Harry 5.
New of Indiana to head the post
office department in succession to DR..
Work.
The nominations of DR.. Work and
hSenator New were sent to the senate
md promptly confirmed. that of SEN
ator New almost Immediately in open
session in accordance with the court
esy always extended sitting senators
and that Of DR.. Work late in the day
after it had been referred to COM
mittee in open session and reported
back. The two will take up their
new duties next Monday, when the
resignation of Secretary Fall, an
nounced several weeks ago. becomes
effective. Senator New retires from
the senate with the adjournment of
congress Sunday.
Selections Not Unexpected.
The selections made by the presi-
dent were not unexpected as they
were forecast two weeks or more
ago. The president, upon receiving
l. t. e -afI l.x.
retires after two years In the cabinet
10 take care Of his private business
interests. rendered to Secretary
Hoover the interior portfolio, but the
commerce secretary expected to con-
1inue at his present post in order to
work out certain parts of the pro-
sram of helpfulness to business that
he has instituted.
The president, it is understood. then
made up his mind to transfer DR..
Work. who became postmaster gen.
eral last March 4, after the retire
ment Of Will II. Hays of Indiana. to
the Interior department. because of
his often expressed desire to have a
western man head this department
which deals so largely with western
interests. DIR. Work furthermore is
said to have impressed the president
most fayorably as an administrator
since assuming the postoffice port.
] folio.
Having thus decided to transfer DIR.
Work. the president turned toward
selection of a man to head the Post
Office department. Quite naturally he
turned to Senator New, who was one
of his closest friends in the senate
and who since has generally been
considered as close to the White
House as in the senate. Also. Mr..
Harding. making up his original cab
met, rendered Senator New a place.
but the senator preferred to serve
out the remainder of his term in the
senate.
Opposition in Indiana.
No sooned had reports become cur.
rent that the president was consider
ing Senator New than opposition TO
the appointment rose in the senator 8
own state. Representative VIII r.
Wood Of Indiana, who is chairman OF
the republican congressional commit.
tee. announced he intended TO oppose
and did oppose in a conference with
the president the selection Of Senator
New, declaring that the senator was
defeated for denomination in the state
primary last year by former Senator
Albert j. Beveridge and as a conse-
quence should take his medicine.
There were reports that other In
diana political leaders also were OPP
posed to the selection OF Senator New.
The Indiana delegation In the house
with the exception of Mr.. Wood, how
ever. issued statement declaring
they not only favored but urged the
appointment. and the majority of the
members of the Indiana state senate
went on record similarly.
The division Of opinion created quite
furry in Indiana politics. but the
effect OF the opposition on President
Harding. IL has been said by some
persons close to him, was merely
10 strengthen him in his determina-
AiSu to appoint his friend. The ap.
pointment also was favored by most
OF the members of the senate. where
the Indiana man has been sery
popular.
Will Take Short Rest.
Senator New was in his office in
the senate office building today when
his nomination arrived at the senate
and when 1t was confirmed. He de-
ciined to make any formal statement.
merely saying he appreciated the
honor and would accept the portfolio.
Late in the day he went to the Post.
office department 70 ra conference
with DIR. Work. After taking the
oath Of office. he plans to go TO
Indiana TO spend a few days before
actively taking charge OF the depart.
ment.
DR.. Work plans to assume his new
duties Immediately after induction
into office.