The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-11-07
Washington
Merry-Go-
Round
BY DREW PEARSON and
ROBERT s. ALIEN,


Nov. I. - For
w more than a month political
Washington has been agitated by
insistent predictions Of a sensational
Cabinet shakeup.
Some reports have 1t that the
President plans a drastic revamping
OF his official family that will elm
mate most Of its members. Other
reports number the casualties az
only two or three-which is much
more likely.
Reported Cabinet changes are an
old Washington phenomenon. Some-
times they occur. most often they
don't. However, there is more be-
hind the present report than mere
WlSh-thinkirg. The fact is that the
President would like to clean house
in his Cabinet.
Despite his conviction that this
Tightening" is necessary, the Pres
ident has not as yet made up his
mind when to do so.
Within the inner circle there is q
a sharp difference of opinion. One
side wants The Skipper" TO WELD
the AK without delay. They argue
that lack of administrative effec-
tiveness and efficiency is one of the
major weaknesses of the New Deal
and the sooner it is strengthened
the better. Cleaning house before
the campaign would rob the Repub-
icans of telling argument.
HERE is the lineup Of individual
Il l. members Of the Cabinet and
how they stand with their chief: -
SECRETARY OF STATE corr
DELL HULL-Satisfac to the
President, who regards him with
genuine affection. There is no
thought in the Presidents mind Of
his elimination. A whispered story
that Hull is planning to retire and
attempt return to the Senate next
year is without foundation.
SECRETARY OF THE TREAS
URY HENRY MORGENTHAU -
The one man in the Cabinet who Is
sure to stay when changes, if any.
are made. Morgenthau, more than
any other, is the Presidents per-
sonal choice. Reports that he win
be kicked upstairs" to diplomatic
post are silly.
SECRETARY OF WAR GEORGE
DERN-Practically all Secretaries Of
War are mere fgureheadS and Dern
is no exception. He fills his role
quietly and amiably and there is no
reason for his ouster-unless he
himself desires to quit.
ATTORNEY GENERAL HOMER
CuMMINGS-One Of the glaring
weak spots Of the Cabinet, a fact
fully known to the President. His
repla cement is certain sooner or
later, with practically all of the
Presidents advisers hoping it will
re sooner. Latest report is that
Senator Barley will step into Cum
mings' shoes.
POSTMASTER G EN- Err A L
l. JAMES FARLEY-His impend-
ing retirement is a settled matter.
Jim is not, however, departing as
soon as is generally believed. The
plan is for him to carry on until
early next spring, just before the
national convention gets under way.
Farley'S most likely successor is
Frank Walker. head of the National
Emergency Council.
SECRETARY OF THE NAVY
CLAUDE SWANSON-The adj
mirals run the Navy, which is en-
tirely satisfactory to Swanson and
the President. Swanson will stay.
SECRETARY OF INTERIOR
HAROLD ICKES-The member
most rumored to be headed for the
ak. There is new crop of reports
Of his forthcoming decapitation
practically every week The latest
story is that he will step out in
January on the excuse OF i'll health
and be replaced by Undersecretary
Charles West. There is no more
foundation to this story than any
Of the many others regarding Ickes.
SECRETARY OF ACHICUL-
TURE HENRY Stands
ace high with the President.
SECRETARY OF. COMMERCE
DANIEL ROPER-Runs neck and
neck with Cummings for honors as
the least desirable man in the Cab
met. However, Roper, a conserva-
live, smooth glad-hander, and willy
politico, has his definite uses.
SECRETARY OF LABOR FRANZ
CES PERKINS-Has created a sour
taste throughout the Administra-
ton. Her department is efficiently
and ably operated-thanks to As
sistant Secretary Edward McGrady,
who handles all labor problems, and
DR.. Isador Lubin, head of the Bu-
reau of Labor Statistics. Her de-
parture at an early date is likely.
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Syndicate. 1nc)