The San Francisco call., 1899-08-11
READ HAS BEEN
SENT FOR BY
THE GOVERNOR
Tie-Up Over a Labor
Commissioner.
POLITICIANS ARE GUESSING
STATE PRINTERS INDORSE
THEIR PRESIDENT.
Whoever TS Chosen Must Name the
STATE PRINTERS INDORSE
THEIR PRESIDENT.
Whoever Is Chosen Must Name the
Deputies Selected by Gage and
Bu1ns-Complication Over
the Governors Staff.

Politicians are all concerned in a quiet
interview which took place not long
ago in the Palace Hotel between Gov
ernor Gage and A. J. Read of Oak
missioner.
The appointment of Labor Commis-
sioner should have been made by the
Governor three months ago when Com
missioner Fitzgeralds term expired Ow-
ing TO the strong fight being made by
several candidates, the Governor mas
been unable to decide which candidate
would be the best suited to his interests.
Two months ago 1t was known that the
Governor had decided to appoint Wallace
Pord of Berkeley, formerly of Yolo, to
the position. But the friends OF other
candidates were so determined that Mr..
Pond should not get the plum that the
Governor Vacillated, and now unless ne
shall decide upon dark horse the hght
Is Squarely between Wallace FOnu ana
This makes the call of Mr.. Read on the
Governor a matter of great interest, ana
all are wondering what trdnSplred aI the
little meeting at the Palace
Naturally the friends of Mr. Read com
strue the meeting as favorable, arguing
that the Governor would not SEND for
Mr. Read unless he intended to talk busl-
ness with him.
During the past few weeks the support T
saults upon the Governor. 1t is known
that among the Oakland mans warm
friends are DR.. Pardee, Frank A Leach
Colonel j. P. Irish, Congressman Metcalf,
w. G.. HenshaW and j. j. Valentine.
AT yesterdays session of the annual con-
vention of the State Typographical Union
the following message proposed by Dele
gate Coolidge of Santa Rosa was unani-
mously ordered sent to the Governors: :,
Hon: H 7, Gage, Sacramento: Cali
session, respectfully requests that you
will appoint A. ]. Read, our honored presi-
dent, to the position of Labor Commits
The Labor Commissioners office under
the new law has Quitet an extensive pat
ronage. About eight deputies, including
some in San Francisco. one in Sacra-
mento, one in Los Angeles and one in San
Jose. 1t is believed to be this patronage
which is causing the tie-up in the nam
ing of a Commissioner. Mr.. Read de-
clines to say anything regarding his
interview with Governor Gage and seems
surprised that the fact has become public
The Governors long hesitation over
this appointment may occasion surprise
in Oakland, but the politicians elsewhere
who get inside tips know that the ques-
tion of patronage must be settled before
commission is issued to Mr.. Fitzgerald 5
successor. Whoever gets the office of
Labor Commissioner must signify in ad-
vance that he will appoint deputies and
attaches from a list Of names to be fur
nished him. No doubt this list has been
prepared to meet the views of Gage and
Burns on the distribution of patronage.
Read may kick against the programme
and Pond Of Yolo may show signs of re-
volt, but the programme for subordinates
will not be changed to please the head OF
the bureau. The Bureau of Labor Sta
tistics is to be used a political agency
to boost Dan Burns. If neither Read nor
Pond will accept the terms prescribed.
some other aspirant may be easily found
who will take the office for the salary and
accept the patronage list without ques-
ton. 1t is possible that applicants IN
their zeal have promised the trades
of deputies. 1t will not be possible for
the successful aspirant to fulfill such
promises. The unions should be advised
that the patronage has been held out for
the Mexican, so that time may not be
wasted in indorsing favorites.
In the National Guard there is much
whispering about appointments TO the
lieutenant colonels and majors who sur
rounded Governor Budd and lent such
brilliancy to the Gage inaugural cere-
monies are still on duty. 1t is said that
delay in the selection of their successors
is due TO an apprehension on the part of
those who have been invited to serve that
military duty on Governor Cages staff
success in politics. An officer on the staff
of the Governor receives no pay. The
service affords him opportunity to
distinguish himself in battle and thus
gain promotion and increased emolument.
The only rewards open on the Governor S
staff are social distinction and political
preferment, and as Gage is tied up to
however, can always console himself for
the absence of military splendor In a
group by contemplating the isolated
beauty of Adjutant General Seamans.