Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-10-30

ed that he should again become an appli-
cant. He said he would not refuse the ap-
pointment, but that he would not make a
campaign for it.
His friends thereupon went to work with
great energy. and close personal friends of
Mr.. Cleveland were unremitting in present.
ing Mr.. Willett's qualifications for the Of
flee to him. The result was the decision
reached last night to appoint Mr.. Willett.
The Announcement Made.
A Star reporter was informed of the ap-
pointment at the Post Office Department
early this morning by Postmaster General
Bissell. Mr.. Frank Thomas, chief clerk of
the department, who was regarded as n
formidable candidate for the position, was
informed of his defeat at the same time.
He was plainly disappointed, but expressed
the hope that Mr.. Willett would have
pleasant future in official life. The re-
porter then visited Mr.. Wilietts place of
business on Pennsylvania avenue and was
the first to inform him of his good for
tune. He was somewhat disinclined to
credit the information, but when assured
that he was the next city postmaster he
was much gratified. He was quiet in his
comments.
'T have felt for some time" he remarked,
that l had as good a chance for appoint
nIent as any of the other gentlemen named
in connection with the place. because of
what my friends told me. Yes, they in
cluded politicians in national life, as well
as many of those identified with the party
In the District"
Talk With MIR. wiIIett.
Mr.. Willett was asked what his course
would be in his new position. II have not
been officially informed of my appoint
ment," he said with a smile, land don't
want to be regarded as speaking prema-
tGrely. In any event it will not be i'm
proper for me to say that in case of my
nomination / will give the business Of the
al
none of my other interests to interfere with
the dutia3 that will devolve upon me as
postmaster. The post office is a business
Office and should be conducted on business
principles. 1t will be my sole aim to con-
duct il in accordance with that idea. That
is all care to say at present"
Sketch of the New Postmaster.
Mr.. Willett was born in this city Novem-
Der 81, 1914. When the interesting event
occurred a democratic procession, on it's
way to a ratification meeting to celebrate
the election of James K. Polk was passing
within square of his fathers home. The
infant was named Immediately James Polk
Willett, so IL will be seen that his democ-
racy commenced even before he was put In
cradle. He is the son of the late Voltaire
Willett, who was prominent business man
of this city. Mr.. Willett attended school
here until 1861, and finished his education
at Charlotte Hall, in st. Mary's county
Md. Immediately upon leaving college he
entered mercantile business and In 1871
the present firm of Willett & Ruoff 9O5
Pennsylvania avenue, was established Mr.
Willett was married in 1872 to Miss Laura
A. Welch of Georgetown, and their family
consists of four sons and daughter. They
live at 721 10th street northwest.
Mr.. Willett is one of the most popular men
In Washington, where every one knows and
esteems him. He has always been identified
with every movement looking to the ad-
vancement and prosperity of his native city,
and his vigor and energy have been ap-
preciably felt in many directions where pub
lie spirit was needed. He is member of
Washington COmmandery, No. l. knights
Templar, and is secretary and treasurer of
the WoodmOnt Rod and Gun Club.
A steady stream of congratulating visitors
flowed into Mr.. Willetts store all day, and
there were many expressions of pleasure
when the news of his appointment was made
known. A few Of them were jotted down
by star reporters, to whom they were ad-
dressed
What the Citizens Say.
Mr.. William Fl. Dempsey-"No better ap-
pointment could have possibly been made
Everybody in Washington knows and es-
teens Mr.. Willett and his appointment is
right in line with the home-ruIe principle
that the District people believe In SO thor
oughIy."
DIR. j. Walter Drew-'Elegantl No ap-
pointment could have been better. I believe
Mr.. Willetts appointment will give universal
satisfaction"
Capt John s. Miller-"The appointment
pleases me. He's first-class business man
fully competent to fill the office full
hedged Washingtonian. and. in addition to
all, Simon pure democrat"
Col. Philip B. ThOmpson-"I do not think
the President could have found a more COM
placent and agreeable man than Jim IViIlett
or truer and better democrat. ! believe he