Evening star., 1940-06-05
President Expected
To Fill Edison's
Post Promptly
Navy Secretory's Letter
Of Resignation Paid
Tribute to Compton
BY JOHN C. HENRY.


Quick selection of new Secretary
OF Navy to replace Charles Edison,
resigning, in order to prevent any
break in continuity of the defense
program was being forecast today
In quarters close to the White House
and the Navy Department.
Mr.. Edison, leaving the cabinet on
June "a to open his campaign as the
Democratic candidate for Governor
of New Jersey, actually submitted
his resignation to President Roose-
velt on May "a. It's receipt and ac-
ceptance were announced by the
President at a press conference late
yesterday.
Thus far no definite indication
has been given as to who Mr.. Edi-
sons successor may be or whether
the President has even decided on
the choice.
Paid Compton Tribute.
1t was noted, however, that in his
letter of resignation Mr.. Edison paid
particular tribute to Assistant Sec
retary Lewis Compton, and selection
of Mr.. Compton for the post would
not be surprising
Also from New Jersey, Mr.. Comp
ton came to the Navy Department
as an old associate of Mr.. Edison,
having served from 1886 to February,
1910, as assistant to the present
SECRETARY in his capacity as presi-
dent of Thomas A. Edison, Inc.
Previously, Mr.. Compton was New
Jersey State relief administrator
and assistant w. P. A. administra-
tor. He served in the Navy during
the World War
In recent months, Mr.. Compton
has occupied key post in the Navy
Department. exercising immediate
supervision over the construction
program OF the department. Con-
tlnuity in this phase of the Navy's
preparedness plans is considered
particularly important now.
Likewise mentioned as possi-
bility for the cabinet post is Ad-
mlral William D. Leahy, retired,
now the Governor of Puerto Rico.
Admiral Leahy preceded Admiral
Stark as chief of Navy operations
and is considered one of the top
authorities in naval matters.
Would Break Precedent.
HIS appointment would be a de-
parture from precedent, however, in
That 1t has not been customary to
name men from the services to
either the War and Navy Depart
ment secretaryships.
1t is a fact that the President
some time ago sounded out Col
Frank Knox, Chicago publisher and
Republican vice presidential nomi-
nee in 1886, for the Navy post, but
no understanding was reached. 1t
is now understood that the Chi
cagoan would not accept the job.
In submitting his resignation, Mr..
Edlson wrote the President that:
In general. the objectives we
have striven for. over the past three
and a half years, have in great part
been realized or will be when the
present Congress finally passes the
current legislative program. The
shipbullding program and plans for
its expansion are in good condition,
as is the fleet in being.
I'm Good Hands,"
THE affairs of the Navy are in
the hands of an exceptionally able
group OF men at this time from
Assistant Secretary of the Navy Mr..
Lewis Compton, the Chief of Naval
Operations Admiral Harold r. Stark,
the bureau chiefs and department
heads on"
Wishing him success in his gu
bernatorial campaign and con-
graduating him on his splendid
record in the cabinet, Mr.. Roosevelt
replied to Mr.. Edison:
Il want you to know that will
continue to count on your advice in
many matters which relate to the
defense development now under way.
and hope you will find time during
the next few months to come to
Washington frequently in order that
I may talk things over with YOU"