Evening star., 1933-05-09
SENATE APPROVES
MONEY CONTROLLER
Californian Probably Will Be
Sworn Ir Soon at
Treasury.

J. F. T. O'Connor Of California,
whose nomination to be controller of
the currency was confirmed yesterday
by the Senate, probably will be sworn
in soon at the Treasury Department.
Following his confirmation, debate
nor's capacity for the Office. Senator
Reed. Republican, of Pennsylvania,
claiming he lad insufficient banking
experience, and Senator McAdoo, DEM
ocrat, of California, holding his ability
and experience with bankers qualified
him ably for the place.
Senator Reed registered his objection
to the appointment declaring the post
lis one of the key positions of the
Government 1t is a position which
in this time Of crisis and banking diff
cuities, the Pennsylvania said. was
probably, outside of the presidency and
the Office OF director Of the budget,
"the most important single position in
the United States Government"
"No Banking Experience"
"Mr. O'Connor has never had any
banking experience whatsoever" said
Senator Reed. He has never been an
a director of bank He has never been
counsel for a bank. So far as the
Finance Committee could learn, he
knows TO more about banking than any
depositor would know from having had
a checking account
The only reason the Finance Com
mittee could discover. the Senator said.
for the appointment of Mr.. O'Connor
was his general reputation for lnteg-
rity and his reputation Tor general
ability"
Il have no doubt that, like most law
yers," said Senator Reed, "he has
learned to cram on case rapidly and
to get the necessary knowledge to func-
ton, but he ought to have that knowl-
edge at this moment. 1t is like ap-
pointing him to be captain of an ocean
liner in the middle of hurricane.
Doubtless. with his ability, in time he
would learn to be captain of an ocean
liner, and doubtless he will learn the
duties of this position, but he does not
know them now and l regard his ap-
pointment as a great mistake"
Senator Reed said, however. he was
quite ready to believe that O'Connor
is a gentleman of integrity and ability.
Senator McAdoo differed with his
Pennsylvania colleague over the mat
ter. declaring that, contrary to O'Con-
nor's lack of banking experience being
an OBJ iection. it should be regarded as
a virtue. Speaking as one who had
been Secretary of the Treasury for six
years. McAdoo said: I'VE do not need
so much in this Office tcontroller) a
man experienced in banking as man
experienced with bankers. and Mr..
O'Connor in his lifetime has had ample
experience with bankers"
Cites Former Officials.
Senator McAdoo cited long list of
former Treasury officials who had not
been bankers, including number of
lawyers. He named the first controller
of the currency, Hugh McCulloch
James H. Eckels, and Secretaries OF thc
Treasury Alexander Hamilton and Sal
are former law partners.
Senator Robinson of Arkansas, prais-
ing Mr.. O'Connor, expressed the hope
and belief that the services of Mr..
OConnor in this important position will
fully vindicate the soundneSS of the
judgment exercised in his selection by
the Executive and his confirmation by
the Senate"
The Senate also confirmed the nomi-
| nations of Lucille F. McMillin of Ten
! neSsee and Harry B. Mitchell of Mon
! tana as members of the Civil Service
| Commission and of Henry H. McPike OF
California as Federal attorney for the
| northern district of that State.
Committee approval was recorded for
the appointment Of Dean G. AcheSon of
| Maryland to be Undersecretary of the
Treasury and of Robert H. Gore of
| Chicago and Florida to be Governor of
| Puerto Rico.