The Daily Alaska empire., 1948-02-05
By ALICE FREIN JOHNSON

By ALICE FREIN JOHNSON
 WASHINGTON, Feb. 5.-Ernest Gmening's reappointment as Gov ernor of Alaska appears imminent at this time approximately two months before his present term expirss-more because of apathy or expediency on the part of his opponents than warm espousal by his cohorts and friends.
 President Truman recently told reporters he was considering nam ing Gruening for third term, but had not yet made up his mind.
 From 6 well informed source at the White House, it was learned that criticism of the Governor and his administration had been re- layed to the President. but, be- cause Of it's more or less tepid nature, it was written off by the Chiei Executive as doubtless poli- tically inspired"
 The same source indicated that, lacking evidence of mis-adminis- traitor, or even loud protestations from responsible persons or groups the President was inclined toward naming Gruening.
 The President, it was reported believes it would be unwise to turn over the Territorial reins to a new executive since statehood might be granted within the 1s48-52 term.
 Business interests with extensive capital outlays in Alaska appear reluctant to protest Gruening's re- aprintment because. were he to be named over their objections, they fear he might retaliate by advocating more restrictions on their already y-restriction-hampered operations.
 No Excessive Affection
 The eight.man congressional delegation from Washington, the Territory's nearest stateside neigh bor, bears the Governor no ex- cessive affection because of his continued carping always bas- cd on fact-at Seattle business firms and those of other cities ill the state.
 Congressman Henry M Jackson, cnly Democrat on the House side from Washington, publicly denoun- ced Gruening for continual dema- goguery and happening at Seattle last iall during hearings here on the shipping situation.
 Senator Warren G. Magnuson, the other Democrat of the Wash ington delegation, said he would discuss the Governors renomina- ton with President Truman this week. Although Magnuson de- clined to state his position on Gruening, it is known he has crit icized the Governor for past anti Puget Sound interviews and broad casts.
 Butler Changes Mind
 Following the visit to Alaska last fall of Senator Hugh Butler, Re- publican, Nebraska, chairman of the Senate Public Lands Commit tee. it was reported he had assur- ed Gfuening he would plug for a third term.
 When interviewed this week, But Ter said he was not recommending Gruening's re-nomination, nor the nomination of any other person, nor did he believe his recommen- dation would have any weight at the White House if it were tender ed.
 Officials at the Interior Depart ment refused to make any state ments on the gubernatorial situa- ton. One spokesman, who request ed his name not be used, said he believed Secretary J. A. Krug was more or less neutral on Gruen- ing"
 Authenticity of the following re- port cannot be vouched for but it came from an ordinarily reliable source. This person asserted that Governor Gruening planned tc come to Washington to testify at this weeks hearings on limitation of fishtrap sites Fearing the Governors statements might an tagonize members of the joint Senate House Commerce Commit tee. Gruening was advised to re- main home lest he prejudice con- firmment of his possible and Ioi