Evening star., 1925-01-12
ASSERTS HUGHES
SAW WORK At END
Observer Says Secretary Re,
garded Time Ripe to
Step Down.
BIZ DAVID LAWRENCE.

Skepticism about the real reasons
for designations and appointments is
so ingrained here that 1t was only
natural for official Washington to en-
deavor to find some other basis for
the departure OF the Secretary OF
state, Charles Evans Hughes, than
the one given In the letters he ex-
changed with President Coolidge.
But the truth is not difficult to as
certain. Surprising as the announce
ment may have been to the general
public. 1t was not to the many close
friends of Mr.. Hughes. to whom he
had conhded his earnest wish to
leave office March 4. He talked 1t
over with President Coolidge just
passed around that Mr.. Hughes had
agreed to stay at least another year.
Sees Work Finished.
Why did he resign, now? Because
the Secretary found that foreign re-
lations were in such status as
would permit him to leave March 4,
whereas if-he stayed longer he might
become so wrapped up in big ques-
lions OF foreign policy as to prevent
his resignation altogether, even at
the end of a year
Mr.. Hughes has had every honor
that can come IN public service. ex-
cept the presidency of the United
states, and he came near that in
1916. He reached the highest honor
In his profession as associate justice
OF the Supreme Court of the United
states. He was Governor of New
York state and now has served four
years as premier of the cabinet.
Being 81 years old, Mr.. Hughes has
only few years left in which he
can actively engage In law practice
he never was a rich man. When he
left the bench in 1915, he was not
wealthy. In the next four years he
amassed comfortable sum in private
practice, but in March, 1921, he was
called to the cabinet. and the chances
are he has dug deeply into his prin-
ctpal in the last four years From
now on he can recoup the losses OF
the last four years. which would have
been extraordinarily profitable to him
Having given 20 years to public serv-
ice, he naturally thinks now of pro-
viding a continued income for his
family. -
While Mr.. Hughes reasons for re-
signing may be understood, there is
no doubt that the appointment of his
successor. Frank B. Kellogg, the Am
bassador to Great Britain, Is causing
even more gossip and inquiry. How
did II come about? Probably this way:
Recommended Kellogg.
Mr. Hughes had been urging the
President to accept his resignation.
Mr.. Coolidge was reluctant-almost
unwilling, for he regards Mr.. Hughes
very highly-and all talk about minor
or major disagreements may be set
down as utterly unfounded.
What shall we do for a SUCCESSOR"
the President might have asked.
We'll. there's Frank Kellogg at
London" was Mr.. Hughes natural re-
ply He is already familiar with the
big questions we arc now dealing
with, He has had experience in deal
Ing frst-hand with European states
men and he can take things over
without difficulty"
To all of this Mr.. Coolidge readily
could have agreed and the appoint
ment was announced. 1t is interest
ing also to point out in this connec-
ton that Mr.. Hughes originally
recommended Mr.. Kellogg for the
post at London. He has the highest
regard for Mr.. Kellogg's ability. And
Mr.. Coolidge has the same regard for
Mr.. Hughes advice. -
May Win Over Foes.
Congress is particularly interested
now in the man who shall be ap-
pointed Amba ssador to Great Britain.
The man most talked of is Senator
Medill Mccormick, who is not only a
close friend of the new Secretary of
State, but an intimate associate of
Senator Borah of Idaho, chairman OF
the Senate foreign relations commit
tee. Having picked for Secretary OF
State a man who favored the League
OF Nations, Mr.. Coolidge might turn
to the 'irreconcilable" group to select
an Ambassador to London. The late
President Harding did the same thing
when he named Mr.. Hughes as Secre-
tary and George Harvey as Am mbassa-
dor to Great Britain. The 'irreconcil-
able" element in Congress would be
likely to attach more weight to sug-
gestions and recommendations of CO
operation with Europe sent by one of
their own number from London than
from one who was predisposed to ''get
too close" to the league.
In selecting a man for London there
is also the expense OF the post for the
Individual Few men can take care
of it, Senator Mccormick is we'll able
to finance an American Ambassador
duties In a social way. He speaks
French and knows intimately many
of the leading European statesme II.
That's why he is being recommended
for the place by some Of the in
duert{aI men in Congress-