THESE WILY SENATORS

The Senate fought President Coolidge to a standstill; and as the dust settles the result begins to draw interest. Without warning and without protest, John G. Sargent has been raised in a twinkling to the Attorney-generalship. Unexpectedly nominated and immediately approved by the Senate, he is already at work on his new duties. It is, indeed, a relief to find such harmony restored within the administration; but whence is this man to whose appointment there is no whisper of opposition? What is his past record, and what his qualifications?

Sargent was clearly approved for lack of enemies in Washington. Until after breakfast last Tuesday morning, just two Senators had eve herd his name; yet before dinner, a majority of that body, had officially pronounced him qualified to occupy this powerful position in the Cabinet. A study of his record would have revealed three significant attainments. He has some local reputation as a corporation and criminal lawyer; he is one of the reactionary "bosses" of his state; and his acquaintance with "Colonel" John Coolidge dates from boyhood. Interesting attainments these are, but hardly adequate preparation for the legal representative of the American people.

The Senate had just vigorously asserted its right--and duty--to investigate the qualifications for office of the President's nominees. Its neglect of this obligation in Sargent's case is quite inconsistent and unpardonable. No sooner had it displayed total disregard for the President's judgment by twice rejecting his first choice for this post, than, with implications of unbounded faith; it approved an unknown man without a murmur. the principle that any nominee offered by the President is to be accepted unless shown to be unfit may conduce to efficient administration. But to sanction a man's appointment to high office without knowing more than his name and address is unjustifiable neglect.