Evening star., 1897-03-23
A NEW NAME MENTIONED
Gossip Today Concerning the District
Oanmissionerships.
Mr. Harry T. West In the Field
Friends of All Candidates
Actively at Work.

Gossip regarding the probable action of
President Mckinley in appointing sue
cessor to Commissioner Ross presented new
ana interesting features today. and name
not hitherto mentioned in connection with
the office was seriously spoken of as that
or the probable appointee. 1t became
known this morning that the friends of Mr.
Harry L. West, the well-known newspaper
man, had recommended him to the Presi-
dent as the successor to Commissioner
ROSS, and had strongly emphasized his
availability and qualifications for the posi-
tlon. Ihe presentation Of Mr.. Vests
name, 1t Is understood. was caused by. a
belief that President Mckinley did not in
tend to reappoint Mr.. Ross. One rea-
Will not succeed himself is said to
ne ne IN the fact that Mr.. w. V. Cox.
the president of the Brightwood Citizens
ASSOCIATION. who announced himself some
time ago as candidate for Commissioner
IN case Mr. Ross was not to be reappoint-
ed. was notified last week by Secretary
Porter to have all his papers on file at the
Wh1te House by II o'clock Saturday. This
was taken to mean that the President had
concluded to select some other one than
MIR. Ross. Mr.. Cox's papers, however did
not reach the White House Saturday, but
are on file there now, and he is understood
10 De very strongly backed for the posi-
uon, among his most energetic supporters
oeIng ex,Mayor Matthew G. Emery.
Inc friends of Mr.. Jesse B. Wilson are
also making earnest efforts in his behalf
and 1t was said this morning that j dele
gauon composed of Mr.. T. A. Talmadge
John .. johnson, r H. Anderson Samuel
A Phillips Bradley Davidson and J. D.
iayior had called on the President yester-
day evening in Mr.. Wilson's behalf, and it
was generally reported at one time today
that he had been nominated.
1he gossip surrounding the republican
commisSionership was none the less inter-
est1ng. The friends of Commissioner Trues-
dell are confident that he will be reappoint-
ed. and declare that in the face of the pow
erful backing he has received the President
could not do otherwise. This openly ex-
pressed assurance on the part of Mr.. Trues-
deils supporters, however, could not affect
In any degree the equally strong belief
prevalent in so many quarters that MIR.
Chaplin Brown would receive the nomina-
tlon while the loyal supporters of Mr.
August Donath. Mr.. NJ. A. BalIinser, Mr.
w. G. Dodge. Mr. l.. NJ. Saunders and the
other candidates for the republican COM
missionership displayed the same hopeful
ness that has characterized them ever since
the fight began
At the White House this afternoon it was
said the President has been rushed with
business this week that he has so far been
unable to give much attention to District
appointments. 1t is not known when the
President will be able to give the matter
full and free consideration.
Ex-Governor N. G.. Ordway was at the
White House for short time today. While
he has other matters to look after he is
anxious to see Commissioner Ross reap
pointed. He is also friendly to w. c. Dodge
because the, latter is East Washington
man.
Senator Roach is interesting himself in
the reappoihtment of Commissioner Ross
and Is expected at the White House some
time this afternoon or tomorrow with /,
big batch OF papers favorable to Mr. Ross