The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1901-12-18
{. E.SMITH RESIGNED
Congressman Payne of Wisconsin
Appointed Postmaster General.
1T CAME AS A SURPRISE.
But Other Changes in the Cabinet
May Come in a Short Time.
ROOSEVELT BUILDING A MACHINE.
Move Indicates That He Is Ready for a
Fight With Hanuas Machine.
SOME OTHER CHANGES IN THE CABINET
Are Likely TO Come in Short Time
and It Is Believed That the Pres-
dent Is Prepared With New Men.
ROOSEVELT BUILDING A MACHINE.
Move Indicates That He Is Ready for a
Fight With Hanaa'S Machine.
SOME OTHER CHANGES IN THE CABINET
Special to The Postl

Washington, December 1.-THE announce
ment of the resignation of Postmaster Gen.
eral 'Charlts Emory Smith and the ap
pointmcnt OF Henry c. Payne of Wiscon-
sin to fill the vacancy thus caused was
made late this evening 1t was like a
bolt out of n clear sky, number of pos
slblc changes in the cabinet have been un,
der discussion ever since Roosevelt became
president. but the postofhce department
has never been referred to in these dis
cussions except In general way and as
result the news that Mr.. Smith had re
signed and that successor had been i'm
medlatoIy appointed came as complete
surprise.
The fact that the president had a man
available Tor the position as soon as It
became vacant leads to the belief that
he has arranged for other changes in the
cabinet and that some very interesting
news In that connection may be expected in
the near future.
rho most significant feature OF the sud
den and unexpected change lies in the
fact that Payne, especially in his capacity
Of vice chairman OF the National committee,
has been an avowed enemy Of Hanna His
appointment at this particular time when
the former Ohio boss is smarting under
the many rebuRs that have been admin
lstered by the new president Is taken to
mean that Roosevelt is not only willing
hut anxious 10 defy to the utmost what
is left of the old Republican machine and
that, further, he is bent on the total dc.
struction of the few remaining remnants
of the organization over which Hanna for
merry ruled supreme.
Up TO date the president has lost fcw
or no opportunities TO "urn down" the poll
tcaus who were formerly recognized as
leaders, and his latest move indicates that
he realizes that battle royal Is on and
that he is cndeavorinG TO build mp an or
sanlzatlon of his own which shall be a,
strong, If not stronger, than the one over
which Hanna presided during the admin
istration of the late president Mckinley.
1t is by no means likely that Hanna and
his friends will tamey submit to any such
treatment and under the circumstances
some very interesting developments may be
looked for
The resignation Of Mr., Smith is to take
effect early next month. Mr. Payne has
accepted the office, to which he will be
nominated after the holiday recess. Mr.
smith has agreed to remain until January
Is, II necessary, hut will return immediate
ly thereafter to Philadelphia to resume tho
editorship Of the Philadelphia Press.
The change in the cabinet was formally
announced at today's session OF the cab
met. The president said he had sought tC
persuade Mr.. Smith to remain in the CAP
met.
Mr.. Smith first announced 10 the prcsl
dent the latter part Of last month that h
had decided 10 return TO his editorla
duties devolying upon him and was anxious
to return to them. He had several talk
with President Roosevelt on the subject AM
| finally on Saturday afternoon last formally
rendered to the president his resignation.
Mr. Smith has been postmaster genera
since April 81, 1895 succeeding James A
Gary Of Maryland. virtually at the outse
OF the Spanish war.
Milwaukee, Wis, December 17.-Henry c
Payne has been republican National com
mitteeman from Wisconsin for several year
| and during the last two National can
paigns he was vice chairman Of the Ma
tional republican committee. Mr. Payn
was postmaster Of Milwaukee for ter
years, serving In that capacity under Pres
idents Grant, Hayes and Arthur. He wa
one Of the receivers Of the Northern va
elac railroad early in the 9os Later h
became connected with various large inter
ests Including the old Milwaukee an,
! Northern railroad, now part OF the Chi
! eago Milwaukee and 81. Paul system; III
! Wisconsin Telephone company and stree
| raiiway properties. He Is now vice presl
dent Of the Milwaukee Electric Railway an
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