Work and Overwork

Since Woodrow Wilson paid the penalty for overwork with an almost fatal breakdown, it might have been expected that official Washington would take care of its health. Instead (not to mention the President and Mrs. Harding) Attorney-General Daugherty has narrowly escaped from a complete collapse and is in the South recuperating; Secretary

Hughes has been struggling with grippe, but keeping at his desk; Colonel Forbes of the Veterans' Bureau resigned because of his health; Secretaries Davis and Weeks, as well as Chairman Lasker are in the South, also getting a much-needed rest.

Secretary of Agriculture Wallace remains in Washington furnishing information to the special Senate Committee which is investigating timber problems in the United States. He urges greater fire protection, more replanting, and partial exemption of taxes for forest areas in order to insure the nation's lumber supply.

Secretary of the Navy Denby is in Southern waters watching the annual fleet maneuvers.

Secretary of Interior Work, until recently Postmaster General, is facing the problem of leasing the Red River oil lands (at the Texas-Oklahoma border). By a provision of the Watson bill, he is permitted to lease a large portion of the area to one person or corporation. There is strong opposition in certain quarters to granting much to one party, when 50 or more bidders are eager for leases.

Secretary of the Treasury Mellon is concerned with the new Treasury issue, for a full account of which see page 22.