Evening star., 1933-03-05
BY JOHN CLACETT PROCTOR.

BY JOHN CLACETT PROCTOR.
-@HE general impression today is that
the President has little to do with
the forming of his cabinet, the Sc
lections being made entirely by the
politicians for the payment Of po-
ltical debts. and although this may
not be entirely true, yet there is justification
for assuming that he does not have all to do
with its selection. for it must be borne In
mind that there are many elements embodied
in the selection and election of presidential
candidate. For instance, the financing Of the
campaign requires very healthy treasury.
and naturally those who put up the where
with" are justified in expecting to be
taken into consideration when these and other
important Offices are being given out. And,
then the man who stampedes the convention,
who lines up the States, or maybe delivers his
States votes at the psychological time to In
sure nomination, and, finally, those who put
their shoulders to the wheel and do yeoman
service during the campaign, must be recog-
nized by the party when the time for forming
the cabinet takes place, and at other times as
well.
In this connection just how much leeway
has been given to Mr.. Roosevelt in the naming
of the members of his cabinet, is q matter
that will for long time, at least. remain q
secret but the chances are that, like his pred
ecessors, he has had his full share OF trouble
in the forming of his official family, and has
had to make concessions In order to promote
harmony without which no party can sue
ceed
In the early days of the Republic there were
not so many Offices to fill and not so many
party pledges to consider, and no doubt the
cabinets were largely made up of the Presi-
dents personal friends-men at least of his
own selection but chosen, nevertheless, with
due consideration as to the appointees ability.
the part of the country from which he hailed
and his political value to the party in power.
President Washington's first cabinet-which
he probably formed himself-incuded such
great Americans Thomas Jefferson, Secre-
tary of State; Alexander Hamilton, Secretary
If the Treasury; Henry Knox, Secretary of War;
Edmund Randolph, Attorney General, and
Samuel Osgood, Postmaster General. For the
first six months of this administration, John
Jay, appointed by Washington as Chief Justice
of the United States, served as Secretary Of
State at the request of the Chief Executive;
but this was merely temporary arrangement,
made until Mr.. Jefferson could assume his
duties.
President Washington well surrounded
with talented men, especially Jefferson and
Hamilton both distinguished Revolutionary
patriots. Jefferson had been member Of the
Continental Congress and was chairman Of the
committee that drew up the Declaration Of In
dependence, presented the first draft of that
precious document to Congress for its approval,
the original of which is now on exhibition in
the Library of Congress in Washington.
While the war was still in progress he was
Governor of Virginia. 1779-1781, and in 1874
was designated Minister to France later be-
coming the sole Minister to that country. He
served as Vice President with President John
Adams from 1897 to 1901 and as President
for two full terms, from 1901 to 1909.
I IE accepted the Office of Secretary of State
] largely as matter of duty and in defer
ence to the wishes of the President. In 1889
he returned to America from France on leave
of absence for six months. He had scarcely
landed when he received letter from the
President telling him that he had nominated
him as Secretary Of State, and urging him to
accept the nomination. In his reply Jefferson
clearly indicated strong preference to remain
as Minister to France, but reluctantly accepted
the position, saying: 1T Is not for an individual
to choose his post. You are to marshal us as
it may be best for the public good. If you
think better to transfer me to another post, my
inclination must be no obstacle. If your wish
should be that shall remain in New York, my
chief comfort will be to work under your eye,
my only shelter the authority of your name.
and the wisdom Of measures to be dictated BY
you and implicitly executed by me-"
Much has been said Of the many cabinet Of