The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1924-04-06
PRESS ON THE RESIGNATION

0augnefty became him like his resignation
nor contributed more to the public welfare.
1t was apparent that he hung on, not to
serve the public longer, but. to seek his per-
sonal vindication. AT length the situation
became so tense and the attorney generals
arrogant selfishness so pronounced that the
president was forced to demand II resignation
that. should much earlier have been volun-
tarily given. 1t is not believed that senatorial
demands for the Daugherty resignation were
the moving factors in the presidents action,
for Mr.. Coolidge has shown himself quite
Hnmovable when he believes that he is right.
IT was Mr.. Daugherty's own conduct that
precipitated the demand, and the action was
presaged when the president turned the oil
Inquiry over to special counsel instead of
giving it to Mr.. Daugherty's department.
mir. Denly had his journalistic apologists
who sought to absolve him from any major
Name while at the same time admitting his
tihfitness, but it appears that Mr.. Daugherty
has hardly any friends at all among the ed-
tors. Such friendship would be looked for
ihs the New York Tribune, if anywhere, for
that newspaper is one of the party stalwarts.
After expressing admiration for some Of the
Daugherty personal qualities the New York
Tribune goes on to say: But these quail
ties are not sufficient equipment for an
attorney general, as the years have increas-
ihgly shown. Mr.. Daugherty was neither
learned in the law nor experienced in the
handling of important litigation. He was
essentially q small-town lawyer, far better
versed in the technicalities of saloon politics
than in the case-books. His associations, his
friends, his training, made him vulnerable
and dangerous man for the attorney general
ship, so largely and potently judicial in its
functions. Mr.. Harding sacrificed much in
the repute of his administration in appoint
ing Mr.. Daugherty." This is hardly warm
praise from a friendly camp.
Reminding its readers that from the be-
ginning, it was the general impression that
Daugherty was unfit, the Philadelphia Pub
lie Ledger adds: His dismissal had come
to DE inevitable, and it's effects will be good.
Daugherty had been a milestone around the
neck of two administrations. His dismissal
will rally strong forces to the president and
In evidence that, while there may not be
haste, there is neither weakening nor waver-
ing in the White House. The country will
feel easier at Daugherty's going The Kan
sas City Star declares that it knew it all the
time and that Its investigation of his record
ins0hio had demonstrated his unfitness for
high office. He was machine politician.
He was spokesman. His standards were
low. He was a product Of political sys-
tenn that is INSCRIPTIONS in the methods used
TO achieve its ends" AS to the possible, po-
ltieal effects of the dismissal the New York
Journal of Commerce believes: 1.-THE public
at,large will approve of the presidents action
ia eliminating his attorney general and will
be more likely to raise the question why the
action was not taken at an earlier date, than
A. s-.ksr IL haa taI-n
at all. But in the actual convention manipu-
lations, though not before the public, the
president may suffer. 1t should be added
that, in making him suffer, the old organiza-
ton, should it resort to that course, will
cause itself to suffer very much more Sc
verely indeed may almost be committing sui
cide.i 1t is probable that the former attor-
ney general can do the president more polti
cal harm by supporting than> by opposing
him. ..-
The Detroit Free Press, in a very lenient
editorial, is nevertheless forced to conclude:
"In short, either because of his own fault,
or because of circumstances beyond his con-
troll, Mr.. Daughertys usefulness as a public
official was definitely at an end, and since
he would not acknowledge the fact volun-
tarily, it became necessary to tell him So"
Thus it is seen that Republican newspapers
and those with strong Republican leanings
do not find it possible to defend Mr.. Daugh-
erty's official record nor to lament his de-
parture from high office. The independent
and Democratic comment is hardly more Sc
we're. For example, the Springfield Republi-
can, from the seat of Mr.. Coolidge's former
executive residence, observes: NO one
should hesitate to give Mr.. Daugherty credit
Tor being a remarkable man. He carried
into the cabinet position with which he was
hdnored by his chief the masterful qualities
that had carried him to the top in the Ohio
school of politics after thirty years of per-
sonal defeat and encouragement. There is
10 cringing and no evidence of a broken
spirit in his departure. His letter of
'nonsrance to Mr.. Coolidge, while respectful
n expression is distinguished by an under
one of defiance. Yet he is powerless 70 in
ure the administration, should the idea of
POLITICAL reprisals seize him, now that he is
rec of all obligation of loyalty to the presi-
lent.s Mr.. Daugherty has not the character
hat can command a following among the
american people in a political vendetta
gainst the head sOf the government And,
S later reports indicate, Mr. Daugherty, be-
az a politician by instinct and training, has
% intention of wasting his energy on such
endetta.
The intensely partisan and Democratic New
FORK World, strangely enough finds that
the president dismissed Dausherty, not be-
yause he was unfit, but because he was I'M
sr, fire. He has gotten rid of Daugherty
raway which permits Daugherty to pose as
!; martyr and on a pretext which conviets
Ntr. Coolidge of great indecision and of blind
ess, to the real issue involved. The real
sue is the restoration of confidence that at
Washington there is president who is de-
isrmined to cleanse the administration. Mr..
coolidge has denied the country the neces-
>lry proof that at least he is resolute. He
r,tsDenDy so on a pretext with testimonial.
Te has dismissed Daugherty on pretext
ie has presented the picture, not of presi-
dent who shares the indignation of the coun-
try. and its will to end the scandals in Wash
i,tgton, but of a president who hesitates and
~eighs the political expediencies in fear that
will be damned if he does and damned if