The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1895-07-03
A GOOD NAN REMOVED
Mark W. Harrington. Chief OF
the Weather Service.
MORTON ouARRELEo WITH HIM.
The Professor SAYS he Refused TO Con-
duct the Bureau Under the
Spoils system.

Washington City. July z.-Prof. Mark
W. Harrington. chief OF the weather
bureau. has been relieved from duty ow-
Ing 20 a disagreement with Secretary
Morton.
a call was mare Pune 70 for Prof. Har-
r1ngton's resignation. He declined 10 1e-
sign, ana subsequently was removed by
the president 10 take effect july /. James
r. Cook. chief clerk OF the weather bu-
reau. Is acting as head OF the bureau I'M
I'll his successor Is appointed. The re-
lstfons between Secretary Morton and
months, and correspondence between
them has been carried on only in the most
formal language.
Soon after the change In adminisUra-
ton. Secretary Morton Instituted an in
vesttgation OF the business affairs OF the
bureau. The results aid not infplicate
Prof. Harrington in any way. but tended
10 increase the strained relations be-
tween the secretary and himself. For
some time Prof. Harrington has had prac-
tIcaliy nothing to do with the routine
management of the office. The trouble
came % a climax on June 10, with a call
for the professor 20 resign.
The president has had the mater un-
der advisement for some time, and had
been urged several times 10 make the
formal request, but he delayed. on the
rington should be left TO settle the mat
Ter by voiun larily stepping out. After
he was a Gray Gables. however, the
president decided 20 request the resigna-
ton. Prof. Harrington replied TO the
president. declining 10 resign. saying he
considered he had done nothing 10 war
rant the presidents action. Then the
president sent letter briefly Stain z
that Prof Harrington was removed from
the office, the removal 10 take effect
July /.
Monday morning Secretary Morton for
mally designated James r. Cook, the
chief clerk. 10 act as chief of the bureau.
pending the selection of a successor TO
Harrington. This was done under an
existing statute that provides for such a
contingency. Under ordinary circ1m-
stances the assistant chief OF such a
bureau would be designated 10 act, but
In the present case this position Is filled
by Mai III. c Dunwoody, ". s. A.. and
Il Is doubtful IL he could act as chief In
the present emergency. The greatest Sc
crecy is observed by all the officials re-
gapiing this removal
Secretary Morton would not talk. This
Is a matter" he said. that belongs. prop
erly TO the White House. Prof. Har-
rington's com mission bears the name Of
the president and not of the secretary of
agriculture and If there Is anything 10
be stated in regard to the position IL
must come from the White House. Until
such announcement is made from the
White House, / have no communication 10
make
At the White House no positive informa-
ton could be obtained. Mr.. Pruden, the
acting private secretary, said he had no
authority to make any statement what
ever and that until he had some authori-
cation from the secretary Of agriculture
he could not say anything whatever.
Prof Harrington himself said today:
''On the 10Th OF June the president aske
for my resignation because OF personal
interests. declined 10 give Il on the score
Of public interests. and my removal fol
lowed. 10 take effect July l. The persona
interests involved We're discussed by me
in a letter 10 the president and feel tn II
have not received Just treatment
Among the public interests which have
had steadily in view were the preservation
OF The scientific corps and the protection
of that bureau from spoils1nen. When a
scientific bureau descends 70 the four-year
offfce-holding plan it az once loses pres
tige and ceases 10 he a desirable position
for competent men
Prof Harrington was appointed from
Michigan because Of his knowledge OF me-
teorology. he having been for many years
tho editor or p journal devoted 70 that
science. He was A member Of the faculty.
OF Ann Arhor university.
II - said that although there is some
pressure for the succession 70 Prof Har-
rington's position. no civilian Will he ap-
pointed 20 that position. as Il has long
been the desire Of Secretary Morton that
Mat punwoody. VINO is thoroughly sc.
quainted with all the details Of the wealth
or bureau work. and in whom he has great
confidence, should be placed I'm charge
This Will require A special order from tho
secretary Of war and n requisltion from
the president. and might also necessitate
the appointment and confirmation nv the
senate, although IL IS kown that Mai
Dunwoody would not reiinquish his com
mission In the army for this preferment,
which would mean no increase in pay for
him.