The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1897-12-05
POLITICAL OPPOSITION.
The Northern Pacific Sa Id to Be
A rayed AGAINST MCKenna
Also.

TACOMA, Dec. At develops to-day
that politics has much to do with the pro-
test OF Washington and Oregon lawyers
against Judge McKennas appointment TO
succeed Justice Field. Attorney General
McKenna has stanchly upheld the civil
service law. The politicians of this State,
Senator Wilson included, oppose civil
service, root and branch. There are many
fat jobs in the customs and other branches
of Federal service here which epublioans
would like TO fill, ousting the incum bents,
mostly Democrats, where necessary.
1t is well understood IN the Northwest
that Secretary Gage also believes in put
ting Republicans on guard and has lent
his powerful assistance in several in
stances in making changes.
AtorneyGene;a al McKenna has opposed
this and by opinions and otherwise has
ngidly upheld civil service. There has
been friction between Attorney General
and Wilson r. Gay, recently appointed
Federal Attorney for Washington. 1t is
said MoKenna will oppose Gays con-
frmation. This friction was brought
about partly through the Attorney Cen
erals refusal to remove Conrad Robert
son, Assistant Federal Attorney, who was
found, by strict construction OF the civil
service law. 10 have practically a fee
simple title 10 the office.
This did not please Senator Wilson, Gay
and other politicians, because they had
selected ex-State Senator CIaypocI to be
Gays assistant. Gay wanted Claypoops
ssslsiance In trying some i'm portant GRIM
lnal cases last month, but Robertson still
held office. Finally Robertson was pre-
70 h (,
effective Decem Der l, and by this means
senator wilson triumphed over civil serv-
Ice and Claypool was appointed.
Since the protest was forwarded to Wash
lngton many attorneys here have received
copies OF printed letter requesting them,
II they oppose McKeHna, TO express their
views in writing and forward them 10 a
Boston firm of lawyers. These letters
were sent from Boston TO Williams, Wood
q LlnIhlcum, attorneys at Portland and
by TIM sent 10 attorneys through the
Northwest. 1t is understood the letters
sent to Boston will be used i'll attempting
to defeat Judge Mckenna's confirmation,
The Northern Pacific Railroad, for some
reason, is SUPP osed TO be opposing Nc
henna. Senator Wilson is considered
friendly to the Northern Pacific interests,
and Crowley and Grosscup, attorneys for
the Northern Pacific, are credited with
knowing rs much about the protest as
n. i is
not likely Senator Wilson would support
Judge Hanford in any event. rs their
political interests have not been identical.
SPOKANE, D-c. 4-When seen to- night
Colonel John w. Feighan said: ~ have
no knowledge OF any deal between Wilson
and Hantord. On the contrary, know
that Judge Hansord and some of his
friends were not supporters of Sem
ator Wilson. From my knowledge of
Judge Hanford, both as 2 man and as
Judge, l know that he would not COM
promise himself as a Judge by entering
into political com blnation for his own
advancem Mt. That there is nothing in
he story feel convinced, for a brother of
Judge Hanford was among the mem bers
from King County who voted against
Wilson"
Juuge ]. z. Moore, who was among Will
sons friends at the capital during the
session which chose the Senator, expires sed
the utmost surprise when told of The
CALL story. II never heard Of such
deal, said he "And | surely would had
1t been on foot. There can be no trui h in
1t, for Frank Hanford, a brother OF the
Judge and mem Der of the lower House
from King County, voted throughout
against Wilson"