Evening star., 1939-07-11
McNuH Nomination
As Security Head
Sent 10 Senate
Roosevelt Expected to
Discuss Details at
Press Conference

BACKGROUND
Paul v. McNutt has been In the
foreground OF presidential as
pir1nts eDer since he completed
tour-yedr term as GoDernor of
Indiana In 1887. During his db-
sence in the Philippines as High
Commissioner his candidacy Das
pushed by Frank McHale, Demo-
cratic committeeman from In
diana. More than year ago
Mr.. McNutt came here on a pisit,
and his campaign for the noni-
nation ,Das launched uno1icially
at a reception at the MdyfoUer.
President Roosevelt today nom-
mated Paul v. McNutt of Indiana
retiring high commissioner to the
Philippines, to head the new Fed
eral Security Agency.
The anticipated nomination o1
the Indiana political leader and
presidential aspirant was sent te
the Senate shortly before noon.
Mr.. McNutt at that time had moi
sent to the President his resignation
as Philippine commissioner. It was
explained at the White House, how
ever, that this was not necessary
for his nomination to be made and
that the Senate could confirm him
while he still held the commission
ership, although he could not quail
ify for the new position until he
resigned.
The President had an appoint
ment with Mr.. McNutt for 2::3O pm
today.
1t was expected that Mr.. Roose-
welt would discuss in more detail at
his press conference this afternoon
his selection of the former Indiana
Governor to head one of the three
powerful groups of Government
agencies recently consolidated under
the Reorganization Act.
Declines University Post.
Mr.. McNutt, who retires from an
$18, ,000-a-year position to accept one
paying $4,000, will, if confirmed by
the Senate, head an agency that
will have control of the present So
cial Security Board, Public Health
Service, Bureau of Education, Ci-
william Conservation Corps and Ma
tional Youth Administration Merger
of these agencies into a single ad-
ministrative unit was ordered by the
President under power of the Gov
ernment Reorganization Act passed
early this year.
The choice of Mr.. McNutt for this
particular post followed Immediately
on reports that he had declined a
proffer of the presidency of Ohio
State University.
The appointment of Mr.. McNutt tc
position where he will come into in
innate contact with millions OF
American citizens has been greeted
by an unusual amount of political
speculation.
His resignation from the Philip
pines assignment has been interpret.
ed solely as a move in the direction
of a campaign for the Democratic
presidential nomination and politica
observers were quick to appraise
the possibilities growing out of the
appointment here which was en-
tirely unexpected.
Senator Wheeler, Democrat, OF
Montana, who recently declined
consideration as a vice presidential
no y,didofo coid AofIx, thu ok{oo< MN g
Ito build up McNutt for 1940."
Some took less direct view. They
argued that President Roosevelt was
not necessarily showing favoritism
for the former Indiana Governor
but recognized his hat was in the
ring and was giving him a chance
to stand or fall on the record he will
make in a key position here.
Possible Middle Of Roader.
There Is general agreement in po-
Itical circles that Mr.. McNutt's Sc
lection puts him in direct alignment
with New Deal forces. Senator
johnson, Democrat, Of Colorado
commented that he is placing his
whole political destiny in the Presi-
dents hands,"
While in the Philippines. Mr.
McNutt was not involved in Amer
ican internal politics, and there
had been speculation that he might
seek the presidential nomination
as a compromise or middle of the
road candidate between the New
Deal and anti-Roosevelt factions
Asked on his arrival here last
Thursday about this middle-of-
the-road business" Mr.. McNutt re.
piled:
That's usually the safest place
to drive-when the road is clear
1t is."
The tanned, white-haired Indi.
(See McNUTT, Page A-7)