New-York tribune., 1901-11-12
FIGHT AGAINST BIDWELL.
CHARGES SUBMITTED TO THE PRESI-
DENT-NO DOUBT ABOUT WAKE
MANS FATE
rBY TELEGRAPH TO The rR1BuxE.I


Washington, Nov. 11.-R. c. Morris chairman
OF the New-York Republican County Committee,
was in consultation with President Roosevelt
fully an hour to-day. He denied positively to
representative of The Tribune that he had dis
cussed politics with the President. While it is
understood that Mr.. Morris in harmony with
Senators Platt and Depew, favors the retention
of Collector George R. Bidwell in office, still, his
statement that he has not personally urged the
President to retain Mr.. Bdwell is accepted in
Washington as a final and authoritative denial
OF all reports to the contrary. Il came to Wash
ington with Mrs Morris for a much needed
rest said Mr.. Norris. Il called upon the Pres-
dent this morning by appointment, merely to
pay my respects. If the President had asked
me for advice or suggestions on New-York ap
pointments I gladly would have discussed that
subject with him But as he did not mention
the matter thought it best not to obtrude my
opinion upon him"
The fact that the President did not seek an
expression of opinion from Mr.. Morris on the
subject of New-Yorl1 appointments is generally
accepted here as sure indication that the
President had made up his mind both as to
Collector Bidwell and Appraiser Wakeman- IN
point of fact, 1t is known that there has been
no change in President Roosevet's mind with
reference to these two officers since The Tribune
announced last week the proba bility that both
Mr.. BdweIl and Mr.. Wakeman would be re-
placed after Congress meets Charges Sc
riously rejecting upon the personal character
of Collector Bidwel have been laid before the
President and as the Collectors friends thus
far have failed dsprove these allegations 1t
Is unreasonable to suppose that they have not
irretrievably injured his prospects for reap
pointment. The name of a well known New
York ex-Congressman is connected with this
gossip involving Mr.. Bidwells private conduct
and this circumstance weighs greatly against
the Collectors chances When he was reap
pointed by President Mckinley last April the
charges against Mr. Bidwell were not so specific
and direct as they have since been made
While it Is practically certain that President
Roosevelt will not send the nomination OF Mr..
BidweIl. for Collector of the Port Of New-York,
to the Senate in December, 1t has not yet been
decided who will be selected to succeed him. Half
a dozen or more names are now being carefully
considered by the President, including those or
Chairman George w. Dunn of the New orh
Republican State Committee and State Sen
ators n n Stranahan and z. w Higgins. At
the same time neither Senator Platt nor Senator
Depew has wholly abandoned hope OF MI BID
wells retention and both Senators are expected
TO come to Washington within 4 week and make
a strong appeal for Mr. Bidwel! II they IA ran IN IN
their mission it is understood that they VIII ask
the appointment of some we'll known Republican
OF New-York City in preference to some up
State man.
There is no doubt as to the fate OF Appraiser
wakernan. and there is scarcely any more dounl
that he will be succeeded by Colonel George w
whitehead who is now Collector OF Customs
in Porto Rico, and whose selection has oeeh
asked by Secretary Gage and other Treasury
officials and indorsed by Senator Platt