Milford chronicle., 1925-02-13
OUR WASHINGTON LETTER
(By National Editorial Association
Especial to Chroniclel

: LNRSS%N4
, Washington, Feb 11-Visitors to Washingto,
r are always seeking the facts behind the hodge
l podge of news items sent out by news associa-
lions. Everybody wants to know what is trans
, piring behind the scenes. The Whispering gal
, lery, as Washington is known, makes it difficult
to sift fact from rumor. These two are so
closely related at times that the line of demar-
cation is not easily apparent.
If political observer in Washington had the
time to write a personal letter back home this
week he would confine his discussion to two or
three subjects not in the ordinary run of news
First he would tell the folks that President Cool
idge has a real problem on his hands in finding
a Secretary of Agriculture. There are at least
16O capable men who have been recommended
for the post by organizations and friends who
recognize their particular merits Ordinarily. it
would be an easy matter to designate the head
of the Agricultural Department.
Nobody should envy the next Secretary of
Agriculture if he fulflls the job as now expected
by the President 1t is a task comparable to the
fable of Hercules cleaning the Augean stables.
The report Of the Presidents special Agricultur-
al commission gives an inkling of the problem
In their Official report this week they complain
ed OF the lack of harmony among the various |
bureaus of the Department of Agriculture They !
merely confirmed the conclusions of other agen-
c1es that the Department originally established
to assist the farmers, is gradually dying of dry
rot. The fungi is said to be too many bureau
Gratis.
Privately, those familiar with the situation
say that the new Secretary of Agriculture must
Of necessity be a hard-fsted. two-gun man, SINH
lar to the old-fashion western hero who cleaned
out troublesome nests with steel-encased con-
science.
1t is taken for granted that there will be
wholesale decapitations of minor officials who
have held their jobs through political influence {
while working at variance with departmental '
policies. According to the current story. this
condition has existed for many years but has
'een aggravated of late by the investigation of r
he Agricultural Commission. v
The President realizes that the incoming Sec v
etary of Agriculture must be resigned to his +
ate as storm center He will be required to
eal in action and not platitudes in order to Il
ring the Department up to the highest stage of
mciency. That is the reason for the delay in te
aiming the new Cabinet member. He also has a F
eputation for consulting his cabinet on matters
{ state. 4
Outside of the Department squabble the var sC
us groups Of agricultural interests cannot 70
gree upon legislative program. The President le
rs made it clear that there will be no prolong-
session for the farmer Senators Norris and w
DWELL, of Nebraska, were especially active in
Omoting the idea of farm relief in company br
th Senator Borah, of Idaho. However, How IN
is now conducting a One-man flibuster
ainst the French spoilation claim. His col raj
lgue, Senator Norris, threatens similar tactics Ma
force the adoption Of a resolution calling for
of the electrical interests.
Outside of public debates there has been some my
vate discussion as to whether or not another
tn has been exploded. Many persons in close soc soc
ltact with political developments say there is 90
hing to the story that Mr.. Coolidge owes his ma
ction to Senator Butler. The conviction is Apl
wing that Mr.. Coolidge would have been re-
cted if Mr.. Butler and the entire committee row
stayed in their headquarters and said moth enc
These opinions are apparently based upon 2
uiries in various ties as to what inspired ing ing
pie to vote for Mr.. Coolidge mot
Ir Butler is by no means as powerful as his con
SIS agents would have us believe. Everybody May
ws that Mr.. Coolidge has always done his i; l;
l thinking although occasionally asking for .
nsel from his friends and associates. 8.
lltary circles are stirred up over the charges 4.
the "gag" rule has been applied to various mat
es with regard to the aviation program. The Inn,
artments have made it clear that they do not l.
It the personal views of commissioned men cise
fused with +be official attitude of tho uar vital
- ,1~-.~4..-4- 49, -. - the
Navy departments AC present congress g.
pathizes with the men who are prohibited tion
talking under departmental regulations para
lese are some of the subjects going the ..
Ids of Washington. scbo cioc