Evening star., 1901-12-09
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
A Justice of the Peace Asked for
Georgetown.
TALK ON THE INDIANA JUDGESHlP
The Chicago Appointments De-
termined Upon.
A POI RIO RICAN PLEA

The early selection of ten justices of the
peace under the judicial reorganization pro-
vision of the revised code prevented Pres-
dent Roosevelt getting as we'll acquainted
with District people as would have been
the case had he delayed the selections
while longer. So there was some
interest at the White House to-
day in the call Of a number of
prominent citizens of Georgetown. The
President gave them an early audience, al
though he had reception room full of
other visitors. The delegation was COM
posed of George G. Boteler, NJ. ]. Adler,
G. w. Cissel, Captain P. 7. Moran, j. T.
Dyer, George w. Offutt and Alphonse NJ.
Baer
Tne object of the call was to say to the
President that the business men and citi-
zens generally In Georgetown had been in
formed that out Of the ten justices who
had been selected not one would be as
tion pointed out, this would work hardship
and disadvantage to the people of that Sec
ton Of the city, forcing them to the 1ncon-
venience of coming to the center of the
city for the transaction of business. The
people had always been satisfied, the dele
cation stated, with the administration of
Oliver P. Johnson, the justice of the peace
III lIidl SlCii1lty 1OT SO many years. ana
were greatly disappointed when he had not
been chosen to continue in his work
II was stated that Mr.. Johnson had ham
died and disposed Of 5000 cases during his
career, and of this large number had been
appealed from in only five. 1t was much
desired that Mr.. Johnson should have a
place, and the delegation hoped the Presf-
dent could reconsider his list Of appointees
With the object Of providing for Mr.. john
son At any rate, it was earnestly desired
thai one of the justices should be assigned
to Georgetown.
The President suggested that the delega-
ton visit Attorney General Knox and make
statement to him.
A Long Judgeship Conference.
Attorney General Knox and Senators
Fairbanks and Beveridge had an: hours
conference with the President today about
the federal circuit court vacancy that is to
be filled by the selection of an Indiana man.
This is the vacancy which the two SEN
ators have been unable to agree, and on
which they did not agree this morning
while in conference with the President It
Is believed. however. that an agreement
will be reached within twenty-four hours
and the nomination made The President
has asked the two senators to agree upon
q man. and they will endeavor to do SO.
Until they do something the matter will
hang in the an.
The President does not like to act in so
important case until the senators have
mad an opportunity of settling their differ
ences. 1t is stated that Senator Reyeridee
has pressed the claims of Francis E. Baker,
one Of the judges of the state supreme
court, while Senator Fairbanks has not
made any recommendation, although said
to be favorable to Chief Justice Monks of
the state supreme court. Senator Fair
banks has said so little that his position
has been much in doubt. Political observ-
ers say that Senator Fairbanks has not I'D
to this time committed himself for fear Of
losing. His friends say that he has re-
Trained from active recommendations be-
cause he did not know how he would stand
at the White House under the new admin
istration. Delicacy of feeling and political
caution did not prompt him to rush in
without being hidden and without knowing
just now he would stand. So the senator
pushed his candidate
Until the assassination Of President Nc
k1nley there was common understanding
among the Indiana people that in view of
Senator Fairbanks candidacy for the vicc
presidential nomination in 1904, he should
dispense practically all of the patronage for
that state There was probably no direct
agreement Of this kind, but whatever the
understanding, 1t has changed since the
death of President Mckinley.
Harry c. New, republican national COM
m1tteeman for Indiana, and Representative
Overstreet talked with the President about
the Indiana judgeship, and Mr. New took
luncheon with the President These men
are said to be for r. o. Hawkins for judge
President Likes a Joke.
President Roosevelt relishes joke even
when 1t is on himself. Several days ago q
western paper quoted Senator Cullom as re-
marking upon the outspokenness of the
President. The chief executive has a hearty
way of talking to his callers about their
affairs In the presence and hearing of
others. AS these talks nearly always take
place In more or less crowded reception
room there is comparatively little privacy
The President must have seen the story at
trtbuted to Senator Culom, for this morn
ing, when Senator Culiom appeared in the
room, the President ushered the Illinois
senator into far-off corner and whispered
In his ear in a most cautious manner AS
both laughed the display Of secrecy must
have been understood.
Three Chicago Nominations.
Senator Mason had talk with the Presi-
dent this morning about three Important
offices at Chicago. The result Of the con-
ference is that William Penn Nixon will
be renominated as collector of customs at
Chicago, John c. Ames will get another
four years as United States marshal and
VIM. p. Williams will again serve as sub
treasurer at Chicago.
A Buffalo Nomination.
Senator Plat and Representative Alex
ander OF Buffalo were with the President
few minutes regarding the coilectorship
Of customs at Buffalo. 1t has been de-
cided to renominate Henry w. Brendel as
collector.
A Kentucky ONCE.
Representative Irwin of Louisville saw
the President and asked the renomina-
ton Of the United States attorney OF the
western district of Kentucky. The Presi-
dent has decided to give Postmaster Baker
another term at Louisville.
Citizenship of Porto Ricans.
Federico Degetau. resident commissioner
from Porto Rico, laid before the President
today long communication regarding the
citizenship of Porto Ricans. In this petition
Mr.. Degetau says:
"In my opinion it is evident that by the
Foraker act Porto Ricans are American
citizens.
LAS the law refers to all inhabitants that
were Spanish subjects, it is necessary to
examine the status stipulated in the treaty
Of Paris for those Inhabitants, and the pro-
lection that. accordingly, they are entitled
to receive from the United States.
"In article q Of the treaty fhoao ynh