The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-04-28
RECEIVED WIqHAPPROVAL
Nomination of MacfarIand and Ross
Generally Satisfactory.
Favorable Comment on the frcsi-
dents Appointments to the Board
of District Commissioners - The
New Member Not Numbered Among
the Candidates for the Position.

the Candidates Tor the Eo>Itfon.
The nomination Of Henry B. f. Macfar-
land as District Commissioner as success
sor to Commissioner John B. Wright, and
of Commissioner John W. Ross to succeed
himself sent 10 the Senate by President
Mckinley yesterday, seemed to meet with
very general satisfaction. Among represen-
tative business men and people identified
xith the city's welfare in all lines, al the
Capitol end at the District Building. there
were concentrations of the choice Of Mr..
Macfarland as the new Republican Conf
missioner and pleasant words for Mr. Ross
as an efficient and able Commissioner and
a man of most attractive personality,
voiced in many ways.
The nominations were the subject of
conversation everywhere. The retention
of Commissioner Ross was generally
expected The nomination of Mr.. Mac
farland however, was a surprise to every
one except the few people that have D-en
consulted by Mr. Mckinley during The
past week. -
1t is stated that there was very it'le
politics in Mr.. Macfarand's choice. He
was not a candidate for the position ana
his name was not mentioned 10 the resi-
dent by any of the hundreds OF people tsat
have called at the White House during
the past few months with reference 10 ihe
con- mmissionerships. The President. il IS
said, made the choice himself. from h s
personal friendship with Mr. Macfariand
and knowledge OF his ability and integ-
Tity.
Pressure for Candidates.
Mr. Wight was the candidate of the
Board of Trade, at least to u certain ex-
tent. William S. Knox was supported
warmly by the Business Mems Associa-
tiou. Judge Charles F. Scott was favored
by the District bar. The President has re-
ceived numerous delegations in the inter-
ests of all OF these gentlemen. and has
been forcibly impressed with the fact that
they all have many friends. Mr.. Macfar-
Isad was the dark horse. None Of the fac
tioDs will find him personally distasteiul,
and Zone of them will have the opportu-
nifty of taking offence at the choice of
candidate of a rival faction.
The candidacy OF Commissioner Wight
for reappointment has been the most
prominent, but at the same time it has
been quite generally understood by those
close 20 the President that his chances
were not good. He has made numerous
enemies by the administration of the va
rious departments over which he has had
control. In addition TO this there has been
a strong feeling that he was too much
under the influence of powerful corporate
and private interests TO do entire justice
TO the interests of the people at large. His
appointment is said TO have been at the
instance of a powerful railway company.
and he has been supported and upheld
strenuously by a local newspaper.
in this connection il is stated b. an ex-
ceilent authority that the newspaper which
first championed Mr.. Wight in everything
has very recently turned against him be-
cause of his inability TO do 1 that was
expected of him. and it is further sug-
gested that il has been partly because of
this coldness of former influential friend
that he has failed OF reappointment.
The last mistake OF MIR. Wight was in
his statement a short time ago that the
criminal class OF the District is largely
found in the colored population. This
statement raised a storm of protest from
the entire race, and it is known that it
had much TO do with his final rejection.
The reappointment of Mr.. Ross for a
fourth term, while Mr.. Wight although
candidate, failed to secure denomination
is, therefore, considered as pointed and
unmistakable evidence Of the Presidents
position with regard TO the gentleman
he originally chose as Republican Com
missioner.
Mr. Macfarland was ole of a delegation
In the interest of Nj. Wight which called
at the White House two weeks ago. This
delegation, it is said, was then told posi-
lively by Mr.. Mckinley that there was no
chance for Mr.. Wight. and that another
candidate must be chosen. The name of
Mr.. Macfarland was suggested by the
President TO several prominen. business
men on last Monday during a conference
over the Republican commissionership.
Mr.. Macfarland was sent for. a1l asked to
accept Immediately. He stated that he
was not ready to make answer, and was
given until the Presidents return TO the
city TO decide.
Mr.. MncfarIand Accepts.
Yesterday morning he went 10 Inc White
House again with Charles J. Bell and ac-
septed the position. The nomination was
Immediately sent to the Senate. -
Mr Macfarland said, regarding his ap-
pointment. to a Times reporter, yester-
day afternoon:
II have accepted, somewhat reluctantly,
the Presidents appointment 10 the District
Commissionership rendered last Monday. |,
OF course. appreciate highly the fact that
the President sent for sc Of his own No-
lition, and that acceptance was urged ty
those whom he consulted. As is we
pointment of Mr.. Wight. ! never thought
OF the office for myself aud when it was
offered ii seemed impracticable TO make
the personal sacrifice involved in accept
ing it. would not take it had il not been
urged as a matter of civil duty by men
who have my regard and respect. 1t is
needless to say that l take it without OBJ
legation to anyone, and am free TO do the
best l can to justify the confidence shown
in me by the President and those who
urged me to accept. II confirmed by the
Senate l shall try to serve the entire COM
munity faithfully. ! am very glad 10 hear
OF the reappointment of my old friend,
Commissioned Ross"
Mr. Ross was also summoned to the
White House yesterday and for the same
purpose as Mr.. Macfarland. 1t is stated
on the best authority that Mr.. Ross has
not at any time pushed his candidacy or
asked others to do 50 for him.
In speaking OF his appointment 10
Times reporter yesterday he said that he