Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-21
WHEELER TO PROBE
z RADIO NOMINEES
Early. Confirmation of Three
on. Commission Is Ex-
pected.
BY MARTIN CoDEL.

Much of the doubt and uncertainty
that has clouded the Federal control of
radio was removed yesterday by the re-
appointment of all of the present mem
bers Of the Federal Radio Commission
President Hoover's decision was not
unexpected, for the prevailing opinion
here was that changes in the commits
stons personnel would have precipi-
tated a spirited battle in the Senate
Changing horses, in midstream was gen.
orally deemed inadvisable, for after
three years of existence the commits
sion finds itself but embarking on its
vast task of ruling radio.
Confirmation by the Senate of at
least a majority of the commission is
expected soon, although the mere rou-
tine of Confirming the commissioners is
bound to precipitate all manner Of dis
cussion about radio.
Confirmation of Three Seen.
Senate leaders in radio legislation
express the conviction that there is
little doubt about the immediate con-
,drmation of three of the five commits
sioners. This would constitute a quo
rum and enable the radio board to con-
ttnue functioning after midnight Satur-
day, when the terms otherwise expire
Some delay may be experienced with
the others, for Senator Wheeler an
nounces that he will ask for inquiry
into the qualifications of Commissioners
SaltHnan and Starbuck
Within the commission the way will
be opened for more orderly procedure
and closer attention to the details Of
administering broadcaSting, transoceanic
and domestic radio, aviation radio, tele-
vision and the numerous other matters
that fall within its ken. One of its
first tasks will be the appointment of
3 chief engineer and two assistants, as
authorized in the bill recently passed
by Congress. which also continued the
life of the commission indefinitely.
Confirmation will also insure a GER
tain amount of freedom from the re-
strsint Of congressional influence, usu-
ally exercised on behalf of local and
sectional as against the national inter-
estS of radio. There is no secret about
the fact that Senators and Representa-
tives have literally beSieged the COM
missions offices seeking privileges for
radio stations within their constitu-
encies. The expectation is that the
commissioners will now exercise more
independence Of political control.
New Chairman to Be Named.
The Craftsmanship, held for the last
two years by Judge Ira T. Robinson,
VIII probably fall to either Gen. Charles
NICK. Saltzman or Harold A. Lafount,
the other Republican commissioners, as
Q natural consequence of the reappoint-
ments. Judge Robinson wants to re-
hnqHiSh the post in favor of one of
MS colleagues. Since other Federal
commissions under Republican admin
EtrationS have had Democrats as chair
men by rotation, there is q possibility
that Judge E. o. Sykes may be elected
chairman.
Gen. SaltZman, an Iowan, was named
Tor the si8-year term, representing the
fourth zone of Middle Western States.
Commissioner Lafount Of Utah was
nominated for the five-year term, repre-
Senting the Rocky Mountain and the
Pacific Coast States. w. D. L. Star
buck of New York, the other Democrat
on the commission, was named for the
four-year term. representing the first
zone OF New England and Northern
States.
Judge Sykes, who halls from Missis-
Mppi and represents the third zone Of
Southern States obtained the three,
gear appointments Chairman Robinson.
q West Virginian, whose zone embraces
the Eastern central group of States was
named Tor the two-year term as6s
CCopyriEht, 1880. by North American News
paper AlltanceJ ~-e8