Evening star., 1945-04-03
Capitol Hill Voices
Concern Over Choice
OF New Loan Chief
By the Associated Press.


Capitol Hill today awaited the
appointment of the third man
in as many months to hold the
Nations biggest banking job.
The nomination of Fred M. VIM
son to succeed James F. Byrnes as
director of war mobilization and
reconversion left open Mr.. Wilson's
post as administrator of the s40,-
O00,00000O RFC financing and lend
ing agencies.
While Senator Brewster, Repub-
lican of Maine, said the Senate
Finance Committee would call Mr.
Vinson to the Capitol for some
questioning, there was every indica-
ton of speedy confirmation.
The only concern was evidenced
on the score of his successor.
George Praises Vinson.
Chairman George of the Finance
Committee told reporters he hoped
President Roosevelt would send up
the name of a man "of the same
splendid qualifications as Judge
Vinson."
Senator Butler, Republican OF
Nebraska, said he hoped the
nominee would be "a man qualineo
by experience and in whom the
entire country can have confidence.
Senator Butler also expressed
hope that Mr.. Byrnes might seek oo
"c,ire some of the weaknesses OF the
New Deal" as a private lawyer.
While the name of Leo T. Crowley
foreign economic administrator, was
mentioned along with many others
in their speculation on a successor
all Senators emphasized II was
strictly guessWork.
Asa matter of fact, the announce
ment of Director Byrnes resignaIioii
caught the lawmakers completely Wy
surprise. They had expected MN W
stay until We day.
Was Confirmed Unanimously.
When Mr.. Roosevelt appointed Mr,
Vinson to the loan job just montii
400 the Senate-fresh from It's pat
tie over refusing that post to Henry
A Wallace-confrmed him unanl-
molslv without even hearing.
II previously passed the George
hill separating the loan agencies
from the Commerce Department pc
fore confirming the former vice
president as Commerce Secretary
1t was generally agreed that Mr'
vinson would not be kept IN poVfi
his new and old jobs. Both Ma
ioritv Leader Barkley and Senator
Taft of Ohio. chairman OF the Re-
publican Steering Committee, Saio
that would require special leglsia-
ton. -,
And in view of the fuss raised oy
the Senate when Mr.. Wallace was
annointed to the dual post OF Com
merce Secretary and RFC chief, a
setlp Congress voted solely for the
ousted Jesse Jones, few thought sucn
LEGISLATION would be sought again.
Senator Brewster said he wanted
Tn question Mr.. Vinson simply 10
determine how independently he ex-
meets to operate" and to learn MS
views of reconversion and kindred
problems"
Board Regrets Resignation.
The resignation of Mr.. Byrnes
brought an expression of regret
from the OWMR Advisory Board OF
nublic. agriculture. labor and ousl-
ness representatives, who only re-
Gently let the director know tney
would like to have more actlye
part in shaping organization pol
icies. .,.
A resolution adopted by the group
also praised Mr.. Byrnes retlrlng
deputy, Mai. Gen. Lucius D. Clay
with whom it has been at odds. Inc
hoard is headed by former Gov. o.
Max Gardner of North Caroliiia'
The resolution said:
1.-THE Advisory Board expresses lIs
most profound regret at the reslgha-
lion of Justice Byrnes from the oi-
rectorship of the Office OF war Mopl-
lization and Reconversion. Assuih-
ing his duties over two years ago
when our war effort was beset with
manv difficulties, he has achleveo
the coordination and co-operatloh
which is reflected in success IN our
mobilization for war.
High Tribute to Byrnes.
"His broad vision, impeccable
character. abundant courage ano
human warmth have been reflected
in all of his activities and IN all
dealings with him. To his former
distinguished service at the bar, In
the Congress and on the bench ne
has added a public service 10 MS
country in his present positlon
which earns for him the gratitude
of the entire Nation.
1.-THE Nation can i'll afford to lose
the wisdom, experience and knowl-
edge which Justice Byrnes possesses
and the Advisory Board is encour-
aged to note that he stands ready
to serve the President upon call as
a private citizen.
"The Advisory Board wishes to
express its appreciation for the I'M
portant contribution Maj. Gen.
Lucius D. Clay has made to the war
effort as deputy director for war
programs in the Office of War Mo-
bilization and Reconversion and
m,ishes him all possible success and
good fortune in the critically i'm
portant work he is about to under
take in the occupational control OF
Germany"
C~II~-kor