Evening star., 1937-09-22
HUNT CONTINUES
.FORNEW GRADY
Task Of Filling Labor De.
partment Post Proving
Difficult.

hDScHCe Oh any mhJOT INDUSTRIAL
disturbance requiring Intervention OF
the Labor Department was being cred
tied today with sparing the administra-
ton the possible embarrassment Of a
hasty appointment to the post OF
Assistant Secretary of Labor, an Office
left vacant some weeks ago by the
departure OF Edward F. McGrady.
Developed into key position so far
as the departments effectiveness in
settling major strikes is concerned, the
Office also is important from pat
ronage standpoint. with considerable
prestige and yearly salary Of $4,000
involved.
With man Of practical labor expe-
rience sought to replace McGrady,
primary obstacle is the dif1iculty OF
finding candidate satisfactory to both
labor's fighting factions. the Committee
Of Industrial Organization and the
American Federation of Labor.
Thus far, Robert J. Watt, member
Of the Massachusetts Unemployment
Compensation Board and active for
many years in affairs OF the State
Federation OF Labor. has been con-
sidered the leading candidate
Gossip OF the past day or two, how
ever, indicates Watts campaign for
the job may have been started too
soon and is now whitening under the
criticism or the faint approval of both
William Green and John L. Lewis
Neither is particularly enthusiastic in
espousal Of Watt
Not far in the background, however,
is later entrant who has been called
into the Governments service in the
field OF labor on numerous occasions
Alfred J. Berres. One-time secretary
treasurer OF the metal trades depart
ment of the A. F. OF L., Berres served
on the Shipbuilding Labor Adjustment
Board during the World War. has been
labor adviser to the motion picture
industry and to code authorities during
the N. r. A. days.
| Even more Of dark horse" candi-
date is Joseph Tone, Connecticut COM
missioner of labor. A machinist by
trade. he is said to be close to both
employer and employe interests in the
railroad industry.
Of those mentioned. the most prom
inent actually within the leadership
OF the labor movement is George
Harrison, president of the Railway
Clerks and member of the Executive
Council Of the A. f. of L. Head OF the
federation's special peace" commit
tee designated to seek a settlement
with the c. I. O., Harrison is pos
seSsed Of the negotiating skill required
OF the position. Already drawing a
higher salary. however it is question:
able if ne would care to relinquish
that post for one with the Government.
Three men now holding positions
within the department also have been
/ given consideration, it is reported. but
from sources close to Secretary Per-
kins, it is indicated that an outside
appointment is desired
Those serving already in the depart
ment are DR.. Isador Lubin, able chief
| Of the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
John Steelman, recently appointed
chief OF the Cancellation Service and
effective behind-the-Scenes negotiatoT
in the Youngstown g. Inland Steel
strikes, and James Dewey, field con-
ciliator who took an active part in
settlement of the automobile strikes.
| With these and others available and
possessed of varying political support,
the selection of the President probably
will be maze from among three or four
| agreeable to the department. And
with the A. F. Of L.. now slightly sus-
picious of the degree of administra-
tion cordiality, meeting for two weeks
in Denver in early October and the
C. I. o. leaders called into their big
gest policy meeting in Atlantic City
/ at the same time. 1t is possible the
whole matter may be held in abeyance
| for another month.
On the other hand. maritime labor
troubles on the Pacific Coast may
force speedier action.