The times., 1897-08-07
TWO NAMED FOR ONE PLACE.
Peculiar Dilemma Confronting the
Interior Department Officials.

Interior Department Officials.
1t sometimes happens that the wrong
man IL nominated for an office through
error, but the Interior Department is just
now wrestling with a problem that is
without precedent in the history Of the
country Two men have actually beer
nominated and confirmed as United States
commissioner at ST. Michael, Alaska,
and are now On their way to that port
What the outcome viii be when they begin
10 cross official swords is q question the
department cannot answer, and how t'
correct the mistake that has been made
is problem far more difficult OF solution.
The last sundry civil act authorized the
appointment of additional commissioners
for Alaska and under that act on the
recommendation of Senator Wilson. VII
liam j. Jones. OF Fort Townsend, Wash,
was named for st. Michael and confirmed,
July %. Meanwhile Mr.. Jones changed
his mind and wired hts Senator that he
he did not want the place and would re-
sign. The department was notified and,
the session being, in its last throes and
haste being necessary, L. u. Shepherd,
was nominated for the same place and con-
firmcd.
'"i+ JoHSh N.tSe SUOWS HOW tdey ~ ic
for the hunidn mind to fluctuate. The
gilded tales from the Klondke fields filled
him with q zeal to serve Uncle Sam in
that northern country, and Nir. Jones im-
nediately reconsidered his determin alton
to resign. but said nothing about it to
the man who had secured his appoint
ment. The department patiently aw aited
the arrival of his resignation, intending TO
place 1t on file and close the incident In
due course OF time Mr.. Jones communica-
ton came 90 hand. but instead OF the res
ignation, &c proved to be his bond and Lis
oath OF office, with the statement that he
had gone TO his post Of duty.
hlr Shepherd had lost no time ia filing
his bond and making the start for st.
Michael. Both men are on the way there.
The distance is great, and 1t viii be some
weeks before the department underst an ds
the exact status of affairs.
When Senator Wilson notified the de-
| partment and the President that Mr. Jones
had resigned and his resignation was On
| the way 70 Washingt ton, be acted in good
faith and on the dispatch OF Mr.. Jones
| to him, but the failure Of that gentleman
| to do SO, he said. does not relieve the
| embarrassment In which the depart tnaenJ
now finds Itself. At the department IL
was stated yesterday that the second COM
missioner was appointed in such apparent
haste because IL was believed that such an
official. on account OF the growing i'm
poTtance OF st. Michael, should be sent
there at the earliest possible moment. IL
was for this reason that the communica-
ton from Mr.. Jones was not waited for
The department will probah bly, hold that
Mr.. Jones shall he taken at his word and
| that he must tender his resi- pnation. 1t will
take some weeks, however, for the depart
ment to reach Mr.. Jones and convey to
him the official fntimatiUn that his services
| at st. Michael win not be longer needed.
When Mr.. Jones gets his yellow envelope
he Will be conveniently located TO begin
his search for the yellow metal.