Milford chronicle., 1924-10-31
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
By National Editorial Association
Special to Milford Chronicle


Washington, Oct. 29-Not even the confidence
as to the outcome of the elections next week can
dissipate the haunting spectre of change which
hovers over Washington. 1t was not until this
week that those in public life awakened to a full
realization of the situation. No matter how the
pendulum of victory swings, it will bring
changes to Washington more than any other
community for here the nations activities are
centered
If you chat with the men and women holding
minor positions, it becomes evident that every
change is a cause for uneasiness to those now
favored of fortune They will tell you that what
ever candidate wins the presidency, it will mean
new faces and new ideas in all government de-
partments.
Assuming for the purpose of illustration Mr..
Coolidge is the victor at the polls, it is pointed
out that he will drop his role of trustee for the
Harding Administration and select his own ad-
visers. This means, in turn, that the so-called
"higher-ups" will be removed to make way for
the new Cabinet members friends. You must
reward men in politics by appointment to posts
of honor or allow them to designate the patron
age which falls to the lot of the winner.
If Coolidge won, it would be up to him to do
the gracious thing with the present Cabinet. The
story is circulated in inner circles here that only
Attorney General Stone is sure of holding his
job after March fourth. The question is asked
What will become of Mellon, Hughes and Hoov-
er, the big three of the present Cabinet?" If the
predictions of this inner circle" can be accept
ed on their face value at this time, these Cabi-
neteers will be honored by Mr.. Coolidge by re-
appointment and with their standing thus made
clear to the political world, the mighty trio, it
IS assumed will retire to private life and make
way for new men, We are also advised that
hese men have sold themselves to the country
~ actual service and at considerable personal
sacrifice. They will be glad to surrender their
tiles with the knowledge of deed we'll done
hough not always remembered.
1t is limited that Mr.. Stone is the only person
j selection of Mr.. Coolidge and aside from his
a college companion Of the Presi-
lent, has given strong indications to make good
q his official job. The latest underground story
ays that Bascom Slemp will relinquish his post
s secretary to the President and that William
Iutler has changed his mind about giving up
be reins as chairman of the Republican Nation
committee. With these prospects it is small
,onder that the hundreds Of public officials de-
endent upon patronage are concerned over the
of political plums.
1t is conceded that in event Mr.. Davis wins
ne Presidential race or indirectly it is handed
} Gov Bryan, that the present list of Federal
fhce-holders, except where protected to some
Stent by the Civil Service laws, would be
lrown out, bag and baggage, to halt the clamor
II rewards. The same would hold true for Mr..
a Toilette and those now in power know it
Ould he of little avail to expect retention of
)pointees of this Administration. Roughly, the
,ove digest represents the fears and hopes of
ficial Wash ington of today as they wonder
hat the ballot box will decide.
Aside from the election huzbub, the depart
ents are having their troubles. The Treasury
apartment is uncertain as to the publicity fea-
res of the income tax law. It seems that Con- S
ess is so Indefinite and ambiguous in framing