Evening star., 1897-02-04
Mr.. DAVIS NOMINATION
Democratic Central Committee to Oonlder
it Tonight.
How the Vacancy MAY BE Temporarily
Ffl1ed-When Senate Judiciary
Committee VIII Meet.

Vice Chairman John A. Clarke of the
central democratic committee of the Dis
trict has issued call for a meeting Of the
committee at Meyers Hotel at 7:30 this
evening, to take action upon the nomina-
ton of Mr.. Henry E. Davis. to be United
States attorney for the District. 1t Is ex-
pected. of course, that at the meeting OF
the committee considerable opposition to
Mr.. Davis confirmation may be made by
individual members. but. as stated in The
Star several days ago. his friends are con-
fident that the committee. as a body. will
not oppose him, If. indeed. resolution in
dorsing him and asking his confirmation is
not adopted.
Speaking today to Star reporter respect
ing the selection of Mr.. Davis as Mr.. Bir-
ney's successor. Mr.. Milton NJ Holland, a
well-known colored member of the bar.
and prominent republican,. expressed him.
self as being heartily in favor Of the con-
said Mr.. Holland. land always have been
republican. yet I am not only pleased
with Mr.. Davis nomination. but 1 would be
delighted to do anything possible to secure
his confirmation. And If there Is anything
1 or my friends can do for Mr.. Davis, I
trust he will let me know. If Mr.. Davis is
defeated by the silver men now. 1t will re-
suit In making a martyr Of him. and If
that Is done l have no doubt that Mr.. Nc
Kinley will renominate him. And II. he
should l think he would be doing what Is
right. 1 think that these sentiments of
mine are shared by about all of the colored
members of the bar. who know Mr.. Davis
to be an able man. and who believe that he
would make splendid prosecuting officer"
To FIJI the Vacancy Temporarily.
1t Is stated on the best of authority that.
notwithstanding the probable complete
vacancy and standstill In the Office with
the expiration Of District Attorney Bir-
ney's term of office tomorrow. there will be
no special meeting Of the Senate Judiciary
committee to consider the nomination Of
Mr.. Henry E. Davis as Mr.. Rirney's sue
Cessor. The nomination will. therefore.
first be considered at the regular meeting
of the committee next Monday morning.
1t Is understood that there will be a meet
ing of tie District Court in General Term
slider the question Of the right of the court
to appoint successor to Mr.. Birney. In
the event of a failure of the Senate to
meantime confirm the nomination of Mr..
Davis. 1t IS believed quite generally that
the court will conclude that 1T possesses
such authority. If the court go decides, it
is believed that Mr.. Birney Or Mr.. Davis
will receive the appointment. with the
chances greatly in favor of the former. By
scme, however. 1t Is held that Mr. Birney
is not eligible to reappointment.
Others consider that it would be inappro-
pirate to appoint Mr.. Davis. To avoid all
Mr.. Hugh T. Taggart, Mr.. Birney's first
assistant. has been made. Nevertheless.
the impression seems to be that If the court
decides it can fill the vacancy, Mr.. Birney
will receive the appointment.
Pressure on Senators.
All efforts to defeat Mr. Davis confirma-
tion are now being bent upon the Senate
committee on the judiciary. Mr.. Davis
friends are urging upon members Of that
committee the fact that Mr.. Cleveland
would have appointed him to the position
for which he is now named four years ago
had Mr.. Davis been so situated that he
could have accepted the appointment.
They say that this fact is complete
refutatioa of the idea that some Of the
democratic senators appear to have that
Mr.. Davis appointment is in payment
for his active work during the recent cam
paign in support Of Mr.. Clevelands finan-
cial views. 1t Is generally believed at the
Capitol today that If report can be Sc
cured from the committee on judiciary to
the Senate so that the senator's will have
opportunity to vote upon the confirma-
tion that Mr. Davis has a good chance of
coming out Of the fight with a victory.