Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-07-19

bers of Congress to the appointment, and
1t was the main topic of conve -sation to the
exclusion of the impending tariff conflict.
The formal nomination of Mr. Breckin-
ridge to be minister to Russia vice An
drew d. White, resigned. was sent to the
Senate this afternoon
The appointment was finally decided on
Yesterday afternoon. 1t had been in con-
temptation for two weeks, and Mr.. Breckin-
ridge has been freqnent visitor at the
White House during that time. He was with
the President again at o clock yesterday,
and remained for some time. the acceptance
or the honor being concluded before he left
Mr.. Wilson, who is a close pc -sonaI friend
OF MIR. Breckinridge was one of the few
who knew 1t outside of executive circles.
The causes leading up TO the appointment
are well known among MIR. Breckinridge's
friends. He was one Of the foremost ad-
vocates Of President Cleveland's policy of
repeating the silver-purchase clause of the
Shern an act. This action proved to be un-
popular in Mr.. Breckinridge's district and
he was defeated for denomination in the
congressional convention held a few weeks
ago. At the time Mr. Fsreckinridge was
absorbed in tariff work and could not 20 to
Arkansas to attend to his interests His
letter at the time stating that his public
duties here were paramount to his private
interests at home attracted much atten-
ton. 1t was soon after his defeat for re-
nomination that Mr.. Cleveland began con-
sidering the advisability of nominating him
10 tnS Russian mission. 'f'
Connection With the Tariff.
Mr.. Breckenridge has been conspicuously
identified with the House tariff bill Of late
and throughout Chairman Wilson's severe
illness and absence in Mexico Mr. Breck-
II ridge was looked upon as his personal
representative. While the bill has been In
conference MIR. Breckenridge has taken
much of the arduous work off Mr.. Wilson's
shoulders.
Mr.. Breckenridge arrived at the House
shortly before the session opened and was
warmly congratulated by his congressional
associates. He was averse to discussing
the subject beyond expressing his apprecia-
ton of the honor conferred upon him.
Several of his colleagues expressed the
belief that the Russian mission would be
advanced to an embassy at no distant day,
thus making Mr.. Breckenridge an ambas-
sador.
Mr. Breckinridge is a native Kentuckian.
but went to Arkansas in 1870 and engaged
in cotton planting and the commission bus
mess. He has served continuously in Con-
sress for twelve years. except when
seated on a contest in the Fifty-frst Con-
9ress. He has taken high rank in Con-
gress. and is regarded as IA man of fine
scholarship, polish and literary attain
ments. No time has been set for MIR.
Breckir ridge to take his new post, but an
arrangement has been made by which Mr..
White will continue in the office until such
time as Mr.. Breckenridge can relinQuish
his congressional duties and reach st.
Petersburg, the understanding being that
Mr. Breckenridge will continue in the
House until the tariff bill is settled.
4 Man of Ability.
Mr.. Breckenridge is one of the ablest and
most popular men who has been in recent
Congresses. From his first entrance into
Congress he has taken leading part. He
is one of the best informed men on the
tariff there is in Congress, having Won
derful facility in dealing with details and
a power of cOncen ntratlon in study. He Is
a man Of scholarly attainments, a gentle
man of most perfect address and natural
gift of diplomacy which makes him friends
and gives him influence with all classes of
men and In every position. Every one in
Congress respects him. and he has made
some of the warmest friendships among his
associates that exist in congressional life.
When It was announced some time ago
that he had been defeated for denomination
for Congress there was an almost universal
expression of deep regret, and this recog-
milton of him by the President is regarded
with great satisfaction. He is probably as
well suited for the position as any man who
could possibly have been selected
MIR. Whites Resignation.
Andrew d. White, the retiring minister.
has had his resignation on file in the State
Department for many months like the other
ministers who held over from the last ad-
ministration. He is a dipomatist of much
ability, besides having an enviable record as
a litterateur. He resigned the presidency If
Cornell University to accept the appoint
ment of minister to Germany April = 1870
In the early days of Garfleld's administra-
ton he was obliged to surrender this cfice
on account Of Ill health. He was appointed
minister to Russia by President Harrison
July 22 1892 and has been very fortunate
and successful in his relations with the
Russian government.