Evening star., 1940-08-28
Asks FiIIinq
OF Little Cabinet
Air Posts al Once
Praises MeNory Speech,
Sees No Difference
In Their Views
By the Associated Press.


RUSHVILLE, Ind. Aug 28-Wen-
dell L. Willkie opened his presiden-
tial campaign headquarters on Main
street today with a demand that
President Roosevelt appoint imme-
diately assistant secretaries for
aviation in the War and Navy De-
partments.
The Republican nominee drove
here last night from Indianapolis.
stopping at an outlying restaurant
in that city TO listen by radio to the
acceptance speech of his running
mate. Senator McNsry of Oregon
Mr.. Willkie had flown to Indian
apolis from New York.
AS he ate a sirloin steak and
slipped coffee from a heavy white
mug, Mr.. Willkie replied to a re-
porter's question by saying Il see no
difference between Senator Nc
Nary's views and my own" on public
power development.
Favors Action at Once.
Following up previous criticism of
the administration defense program,
Mr.. Willkie issued a statement say
ing:
I'm connection with my suggestion
that there should be created posi-
ton in the cabinet for aeronautics,
I want to make another suggestion
Immediately. The President should
appoint at once an assistant secre-
tary for air in both the War and
Navy Departments.
These positions have been vacant
ever since the President came into
office in 1888. The failure to fill
them is in part the cause Of the
present lamentable situation with
reference to our aeronautical de-
velopment.
"At the time he tRoosevelD de-
clared he was not making these ap-
pointments in the interest of econ
omy.' I doubt If in view of the sub
sequent expenditure of go billion
dollars by his administration that
that is a valid excuse for continu-
ing the vacancies which would cost
$24, 600 a year to fill"
Party Stops in Suburbs
Mr.. Willkie completed six days
of conferences in New York yester-
day and chartered a plane for In
dianapolis. 1t was nearly time for
Senator McNary's speech, and he
suggested his party stop for dinner
in the suburbs.
Mr.. Wiukie sat with his wife and
his mother-in-law, Mrs. Cora Wilk,
both of whom greeted him at the
airport and heard the acceptance
address over a portable radio.
81 enjoyed Senator McNary's talk
very much" MIR. Willkie said. Il
thought he made an unusually clear
definition of the New Deals do
mestic policy. His differentiation
between that philosophy and the
philosophy of the Republican lead
ership was exactly in accord with
my own beliefs.
T hope that Senator McNary
will make as many talks during the
course of the campaign as possible"
Mrs. Martha Taylor, excited pro-
prietor of the little restaurant, de-
clined cash for Wilkes 90-cent bill
but took the nominees autograph in
payment.
Suite RemOdeled.
On reaching Rushville after an
hours automobile ride, Mr.. Willkie
found suite of a half dozen rooms
in q downtown building had been
remodeled for his campaign Offices.
Mrs. Willkie, who had stayed in
Rushville, rented an 80-year-old brick
house for their occupancy during the
early part of the campaign.
Mrs. Charles Mauzy, an old friend
Of the family, moved from her IL
room home and will live next door
with her son until the WILKES
leave September IA for 7.000-mile
campaign tour to the West Coast.
Offices at 25l1a Main street were
repapered and painted this week
under the supervision of Mr.. Wilkes
son Philip.