The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-25
BROWN URGED UPON GAMBLER.
TALK OF HIS REPLACING WIMBISH
As SPECIAL ATTORNEY.

Bishop BECKER Greatly Improved
His Prompt Receive Looked For.
warm Fight over me Special At
torneyship of the Western and At
Iantic-Mnyor Collier Released
Many Prisoners for Christmas.
Secretary Cooks Denial.
Atlanta. Dec. -(SpeciaD.-There is a
good deal of uneasiness at the capitol over
ruuors that Col ". A. Wimbish, special
attorney for the Western and Atlantic
Railroad. is 10 be replaced
According to the report, which started
before the legislature adjourned, Col. E.
T. Brown of Athens is being urged upon
Gov. Gambler for the position. Col Brown
was an original Gambler man and an ac-
tive manager of - campaign.
Gov. Atkinson commended that the
service of special attorney be dispensed
with, but it was made to appear to the
legislature that the special knowledge OF
Col. Wimbish could render him of great
value 10 the state in future settlement of
questions involving the state road, and
the office was continued on that idea, and
at the same time a joint resolution was
passed by both houses commencing Col.
Wimbish and virtually recommending has
retention by the Governor
The passage of this resolution is what
brought to the surface the story that Col.
Brown was being groomed for the place.
Since the legislature adjourned Gov. Cand-
Ter has received a large number of letters
and kilograms bearing upon the subject,
mostly citing the action of the legislature
in recommending Col. Wimbish. No one
directly concerned has much to say in
regard to the matter. Col Wimbish will
not talk, and is making no effort to hold
the place.
Some well informed ones, however, de-
clare that the fight going on behind the
scenes is a very warm one, and until it
is settled by a public announcement
from the Governor the chief executive will
have little comfortable rest.
Secretary Cook Protests.
Secretary of State Phil Cook takes de-
cided exceptions to the stories being print
ed throughout the state to the effect that
he refused to permit a portrait of Presi-
dent Mckinley to be placed above the
door of his office among the decorations
at the capitol in honor of the recent visit
of the nations chief. In order to set the
matter straight, Secretary Cook made pub
lie the following interview to-day:
1.-THE impression that 1 refused to allow
President McKinleys picture hung over
my door is a false one No effort was
made by any one 10 hang picture over
the door, and there was no request from
any source for one to be hung there, and,
therefore, there was never an occasion for
any objection
Il offered no discourtesy to these dis
tinguished guests. As matter of fact,
entertained several of them in my office.
Gen. Wheeler, Gen. Wilson and others
were there for some time examining the
lattlefag of my fathers regiment and
talking about it. These gentlemen had
come into the office to escape the crush
in the corridors, where the President was
holding reception.
The same day l attended at the resi-
dence of my sister, Mrs. Peel, a recep-
ton rendered the presidential party by the
Army and Navy League. Mrs. Mckinley.
five members of the cabinet and several
generals of the army were there.
Il have always entertained the opinion
that il was wrong for President Mckinley
TO put negroes over white people. | be-
heVe IN the supremacy of the Anglo
Saxon race, and have no apology to offer
for that opinion, but I have enough sense
OF propriety to treat with courtesy any dis
tinguished guests, who come, here by invi-
tation."
COnVicts Released.
Mayor Collier to-day granted freedom to
ISSs prisoners confined in the stockade for
violation of city ordinances. This was his
CHRISTMAS gift to these unfortunates
They were all lined up and set free al noon
after having been served with a good din
ner. large percentage of the liberated
Offenders celebrated the event on Decatur
street tonight, and some OF them will be
back in the stockade again Just as soon
as the mill of justice can get them there
Bishop Becker Much BETTER.
Bishop Becker, who has been i'll at the
parsonage of the Church of the Immacu-
late Conception, was pronounced some
what improved by his physicians tonight
and his prompt recovery is now looked
for. As soon as he is able he will go to
Savannah.