Evening star., 1896-12-21
FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Harry Davis Leading Candidate to Succeed
Mr.. Bimey.
Cleveland Expected to Follow the
Example of Harrison In Making
an Eleventh-HOur Choice.

The early expiration Of the term of Dis
trict Attorney A. A. Birney is being antici-
pated by several gentlemen who hope to
succeed him. Mr.. Birney was appointed in
February. 1898. by President Harrison for
term of four years, and his term will ex-
pire the 9Th Of next February. As Presi-
dent Harrison appointed in Mr. Birney, a
republican, few weeks previous to the
expiration of his own term, it is generally
believed that President Cleveland will not
hesitate to follow his predecessors exam
pie. Therefore, the local democrats ex-
pect that not only will democrat be ap-
pointed to succeed Mr.. Birney, but they
also expect that Major Mckinley will fol-
low Mr.. Clevelands example and allow the
democratic appointee to complete his term
of four years.
Before it was definitely known that Mr..
Cleveland would permit Mr.. Birney to COM
plete his term, one Of those most promi-
nently mentioned as a candidate for the
office was Mr.. Henry E. Davis, a we'll
known member of the local bar. Quite an
effort was made in his behalf by his
friends. and their efforts only ceased when
they learned that Mr.. Birney would be al
lowed to serve four years. Now, in anti
patton Of Mr.. Birney's retirement, Mr..
Davis friends are making another de-
termined effort to secure his appointment
And. what Is more, they appear to be
rather confident that their efforts will
prove successful.
Mr.. Davis is a native of this city, is one
of the faculty of the law department of
the Columbian University and fs also presi-
dent of the District Bar Association. He is
democrat, of course, although he could
not and did not advocate the election OF
his party's nominee, William ]. Bryan, dur
ing the late presidential campaign. Indeed.
hQ W ns,tc u
crat, and his debate with Mr.. Stilson
Hutchins here late in the campaign is well
remembered Outside of his legal qualifi-
cations for the Office of district attorney,
his friends claim that his position during
this campaign entities him to more than
ordinary consideration by President Cleve-
land.
Speaking to Star reporter today. Mr.
Davis stated that with his consent his
friends are kindly pressing his name before
the President as Mr.. Birney's successor
and he had learned that they are confident
of success. II he should be considered
worthy Of the position by Mr.. Cleveland
and should be rendered It, Mr.. Davis said
he would accept the appointment and IL
appointed, would devote his very best ef
forts to performing the duties thereof in
manner acceptable to the people of the
whole District.
1t is also reported that Judge Thos. F.
Miller of the Police Court would accept the
appointment, and 1t is understood that his
iTleHuS Will present MS name 10 freSl0ent
Cleveland. Judge Miller is also a demo-
crat. and it is claimed by his friends, and
they are many. that he would make an ex-
cellent prosecL ting officer Assistant Dis
trict Attorney Hugh T. Taggart Is also
mentioned in connection with the Office.
He has been known as the first assistant
district attorney for several years, and Is
regarded as man of much learning and
considerable ability. He is also said to be
democrat. While he is not known as an
aspirant TO the position. 1t is generally ad-
mitted that lie would prove a hard man to
beat If he should apply for the position.
Assistant District Attorney Tracy L. JEFF
fords, although republican, is also re-
garded as being desireus of succeeding MI
BIrney. He is from Ohio, and 1t is under
stood that he enjoys the friendship and
confidence of President-elect Mckinley
Mr.. c. Maurice Smith Is another republican
VINO wound accept the position. although it
is understood that he will make no fight
for it, Whoever is appointed will be, II is
generally believed. a local man.