The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1935-10-17
Washington
Merry-Go-
Round
BY DREW PEARSON and
ROBERT 5. ALLEN

abLLAN
VXIASHINGTON. Oct. 17.-There
w are factors behind the APP
pointment of Secretary Hulls per-
sonal assistant as American OBJ
server in Geneva which do not at
first meet the naked eye.
Hugh Cumming, the young man
in question, was on a European
honeymoon after marrying Wini-
fred West. Washington's most win
some widow. Ostensibly to prolong
the honeymoon. Mr.. Hull ordered
him to remain in Geneva.
There was much more TO it than
that.
In the first place, the British had
been nagging Mr.. Hull to have the
United States represented at the
League debate on sanctions against
Italy They wanted Hull to follow
the precedent of Henry L. Slim
son, who placed an American OBJ
server with the Council during the
debate on JapanS invasion of Man
churia.
Hull's private sympathies leaned
toward appointment of such an OBJ
server. But his practical political
ideas leaned against it, He knew
what a luscious campaign battle
cry such an appointment would
make for the Republicans: New
Deal risks war ENHANCEMENT by
sending observer to League"
IN the second place, Mr.. Hull
L knew a fierce struggle was in
progress between his two regular
representatives in Geneva.
The American consul, Prentiss
Gilbert, constantly is at cross-pur-
poses with Hugh Wilson, American
minister to Switzerland.
The feud, one of the most sensa-
ton in the State Department, has
involved the entire career service.
Wilson. career man, feels the i'm
portant liaison work between the
United States and the League
should be accomplished by an eX-
perienced career diplomat
Gilbert, who joined the State De-
partment after having run the New
York State Fair in Rochester, N. Y.
is not an adept at pink tea and pro-
tocol.
So Mr.. Hull decided to trust
neither side, but get reports from
his own man in Geneva.
Note-Hugh Cumming is a sleek
haired, obSequious young man, not
brilliant but willing, whose chief
road to promotion has been play
ing croQuet with the Secretary of
/ State.
THERE is a lot of significant
Il eyebrow raising in the inner
circle in the direction of Gen. Hugh
S. Johnson.
The turbulent eX-cavalryman's re-
peated slamming of monetary and
relief policies-pointS on which the
New Dealers are particularly senSi-
tive-has aroused Administration re-
sentiment.
Even the President displayed in
terest in the matter. During his
trip across country be remarked to
members Of lbs encourage that he
could not understand Johnson's hos
tile attitude.
But not all of Johnson's brickbat-
ting has been public.
Only a few White House init
mates know it, but Johnson took a
Wallop at the President in connec-
ton with his San Diego Exposition
visit.
The exposition had set a date
for Johnson day. But due to last
minute changes in the Presidents
schedule this date conceded with
the day Roosevelt would speak. The
exposition officials got johnson on
the telephone, asked him to post
pone his appearance.
This Johnson fatty refused. He
insisted that the program go through
as scheduled.
Caught in an embarrassing diem
ma, the exposition authorities fin
ally compromised by announcing a
Roosevelt-Johnson day. The Presi-
dent spoke at noon and Johnson at
night.
Various explanations are whis-
pered to account for the ex-Blue
Eagle chiefs attitude
One is that he reflects the views
of Barney Baruch, who, it is
claimed, is peeved at the Presi-
dent for ignoring him on the neu-
trality legislation question. An
other is that Johnson is sore be-
cause he did not get appointed coun-
sci of Federal Communication Com
missions A. T. and T. investigation.
Finally, there is the report that
Johnson harbors secret presidential
ambitions for 1910.
]