MR. MELLON AND MR. MILLS

The appointment of Secretary Mellon as Ambassador to the Court of St. James, although the cause of some surprise, is a natural and logical move. During Mr. Hoover's presidency, Mr. Mellon has not dominated the financial policy of the government as in previous administrations. The influence of Undersecretary Ogden Mills has been increasingly important in recent years. At the same time, Secretary Mellon has special qualifications which seem to have marked him out for his new post.

In this appointment, President Hoover returns to the custom of selecting an Eastern man to fill our chief diplomatic position. Exceptional circumstances have sometimes justified a change in this custom. Normally, however, the ambassador should come from those states which by geographical position and economic relations are in closer touch with English affairs. From this point of view the choice is an excellent one.

It is also possible to see a repercussion of the financial troubles of Great Britain in the appointment. Since the abandonment of the gold standard, economic rehabilitation has become imperative for England. Such rehabilitation depends largely on aid from financiers in this country.

With Mr. Mellon as Ambassador the necessary connection between Wall Street and Threadneedle Street is better established.

The selection of Ogden Mills to succeed Mr. Mellon as Secretary will meet general applause. Probably few secretaries in this century have had more years of service in the Treasury before becoming head of it. His share in the arrangement of the Hoover Moratorium is well-known. As Secretary, he will take over officially a position the duties and requirements of which he thoroughly understands.