The Daily Alaska empire., 1949-07-28
 SLATED FOR
 HIGH COURT
Senator J. Howard MeGrdth for Attorney GeenraI-
 Surprise Announcement

WASHINGTON, July 28.-tR- President Truman said today he has asked Attorney General Tom Clark to become a Justice of tile Supreme Court.
 Senator J. Howard McGrath would replace Clark as Attorney General
 The President. said he expected both men to accept. The surprise announcement came from MT. Truman at news con- ference. It was in reply to a re- porter's question. Mr.. Truman at the same time made it clear that he does not be- lieve that mans religious faith has any place in consideration of appointments for membership on the high court, as long as an ap- pointee is qualified for the work.
 Clark, Texan, is Presbyterian.
 He would succeed the late Jus tice Frank Murphy, who was the only Roman Catholic on the high bench.
 McGrath, Senator from Rhode Island, is also chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
 Guessing By Newsmen
 MT. Truman said reporters could do their own speculating on wheth- CT William M. Boyle, Jr., of Kan- sas City, now executive vice chair man, would succeed McGrath as head of the Democratic National committee.
 McGrath is expected to re- sign his Senate seat. That would open the way for an appointment by Gov. John O. Pastore, a Dem- ocrat.
 The temperature was 84 degrees that was the Presidents own re- port-in his Oval Room office when newspapermen crowded in for their weekly conference.
 Mr. Truman had read long statement on atomic energy policy and the conference was beginning to drag when a reporter asked him when he might make a decision on a new Supreme Court Justice to succeed the late Justice Murphy.
 rs;vos Omt Surnrise
 Without batting an eye, seem- ing to enjoy his casual way of an- nouncing such a major decision, the President said he had made up his mind.
 He said Attorney General Clark and Senator McGrath of Rhode Island were in his office this morning and he had offered them the appointments.
 He said they were surprised both were very surprised.
 He said they were so surprised that they did not accept immed- lately, but his best guess was they would accept.
 Clark, Texan, succeeded Fran cis Riddle of Philadelphia, Pa, as Attorney General soon after MT. Truman became President.
 Truman Awaits Reply
 MT. Truman said he is awaiting a reply from both before sending their nominations to the Senate.
 Senator McGrath. advised of the White House announcement, said he wants to talk with his family and friends before deciding to ac- cept appointment as Attorney Gen. eral.
 T want to take the weekend to think about it." he told report er
 McGrath said he was highly gratified7 that MT. Truman has offered him the post.
 Clark's Statement
 Shortly after President Truman made his announcement, the 49- year-old Attorney General issued this statement at the Justice De- partment:
 "The honor bestowed upon me by the President in offering me a position on the Supreme Court of the United States is great.
 Tt is with humility that I ap- preach it.
 Such a position is the greatest challenge that can be placed be- fore lawyer.
 T can hope I am worthy of the honor the President has paid me-
 Clark last month completed four years as Attorney General.