Evening journal., 1895-04-16
A SECRETARY OF STATE CHOSEN.
ovsrnor Watson Appoints }. Harvey
whiteman to Succeed Nathaniel q.
SmithsTs.

g overnor Watson Appoints j. Harvey
whiteman to Succeed Nathaniel Il.
smithsrs.
stan Correspondence Evening Journal.
DOVER, April 16 Late yesterday
afternoon Governor Watson announced
to the world the name OF the man whom
he had selected to be his secretary Of
state. The fortunate individual Is ex .
Speaker OF the House Harvey White.
man, Of Wilmington. To say that it was
8 surprise would be TO put II mildly. It
almost took the breath Of the men who
had been working so lndefatigsbly in the
interest OF other men.
Il was first thought that the governor
would appoiat his brother in law, ex
State Senator Charles j Harrington, Of
Pennington. This was followed by
rumors Of ex Congressman John w
Causey, ex Secretary of State w. Feed
Caussy, ex State Treasurer Wilbur +
Burnite and ex ex-Asslstant Secretary Of
State James II Hughes Finally things
began to assume a more definite shape,
and 1t was given out by the
governors most intimate political
friends that he had decided upon
General r Kenney. This was &C
cepted as final and It held good until
yesterday afternoon when the generals
friends went around with such a dis
couraged look that 1t was apparent that
the slate had been broken. One Of them
was asked what was the matter
"Oh." be said, every thing was all
right for Kenney a few hours ago but it
is a terribly mixed-up situation now.
hope for the best.
1t was O'Clock before the official an
nouncement was made, aud the governor
Immediately left for. his homs In Milford
Governor Watson was a member of the
Senate two years ago when Mr. White
man was speaker Of the House They
were thrown much together In their
legislative w5rk and became good friends.
Tie governor recognized in Mr. White
man young alga Of worth and sterling
Integrity and 10 this happy meeting aud
mutual regard he doubtless ges his ap-
pointment, for he was In no sense an
applicant for the place
The appointment meets with hearty
approval here. Even the friends Of the
other men mentioned for the place admlt
that the governor, In his independent
action ia the matter, showed remarkably
good judgment from q political stand 2
point
The new secretary Of state was born on
October 25 Ices. on his fathers farm In
Mill Creek hundred. near Pleasant Hill
post Office. His generation Is the fourth
that has lived in the house in which he
was born His great grandfather
settled there about the middle Of the
eighteenth century. After a prepare
tory course at Newark Academy, the
new secretary entered Delaware
Academy in the Autumn Of 1881 aud was
graduated in the class OF 1885 After his
graduation ne engaged In teaching.
He then studied Law in the ofics Of
Chief Justice Lore and was admitted to
the bar Of this county. He has since
practicad law In this city be was 4
me % Der of the General Assembly in 1899
in the lower house, making an excellent
reputation for conscientious work He
was again elected to the House OF Repre-
sentstives in 1892 and was elected
speaker
Mr.. WhitemRn went to Dover this
morning TO take the oath and assume his
new Office The opinion as expressed to
an EVENING JOURNAL reporter this
morning was that the governor had
acted wisely and well in naming his
secretary.