The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-12-18
FIRST BREAK IN THE
PRESIDENTS CABINET 7.
Postmaster General Charles Emory
Smith Resigns Henry c. Payne of
Wisconsin Will Be His Successor

and the Wisconsin Telephone Co. lie was
Receiver Tor the Northern Pacific Rail-
road from 1898 10 1895 For 10 years ne was
postmaster at Milwaukee. lie was ap-
pointed by President Grant I'm 1876 and
served under Hayes. Garfield, Arthur and
Cleveland retiring in 1885, SO that he
knows the business of the postal service
from the ground up. There was talk Of his
appointment as postmaster general by
Mckinley I'm 1897 but another was select
ed.
Mr. Payne has been a member OF the
Republican National committee since
lSAJ. and was vice chairman of tie COM
nitee in 1896 and 1900 He brings into
The cabinet an element which it lacked.
for none of present cabinet officers Is
especially familiar with politlca! manage
ment.
lie is given full credit for carrying the
STATE of Wisconsin as agains Democrats
and Populists. Years ago he made
sharp fight against Greeley. no less not
able than his stand against Bryan.
THE FIRST BREAK
This is the first break In the cabinet
carried over from the Mckinley admin
tstration by President Roosevelt. but IL
does not forcshadow an immediate re-
organization OF the cabinet. The resgna-
tion Of Mr. Smith is entirely voluntary.
MI SHlllH DhSiNCHf associates Oh fhs
philadelphia Press insisted that he could
no longer neglect his and their private
affairs by remaining I'm public office, and
he would have retired ~ President Nc
kinley had not died.
He did not take a house here this win
ter. but has lived AT the Arlington hotel.
President Roosevelt begged him 10 stay.
lie did not want any cabinet changes at
this time. Postmaster General Smith was
the president sent for Mr.. Payne who
was IN Washington on business connected
with the Canton Mckinley memorial, and
offered him the place. II was accepted
on the presidents earnest solicitation.
The secret has been well kept It's an
nouucement came from the president
himself late this afternoon after a talk
with Mr. Smith.
POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE.
Mr. Payne has engaged temporary
quarters at the Arlington from the be-
ginning OF January. The political signi-
hcance OF Mr. Payne's appointment is in
his prominence with the National Repub-
lican committee
Senator Hanna's chief lieutenant is
transferred 10 a commanding position
under President Roosevelt. lie will have
control OF the post office department with
As long time admirer and friend of
the president. Mr.. Payne in his official
and political capacity will have the in
terests OF his chief at heart. Payne work
ed against Hanna at Philadelphia for
Roosevclts nomination as vice president
and was responsible for Roosevelts cam
paign tour through the west.
Mr.. Payne is acknowledged to be one
Of the best political organizers in the
Republican party. His-politcal foresight
was recognized In the campaigns OF 1896
and 1870 lie knows not only men. but
measures, lie has great influence I'm the
highest business circles He knows the
political leaders I'm every state and their
relative value.
There viii he much talk OF cabinet re- !
organization following the change in the
postcfiice department IL was not the |
presidents purpose TO make changes for |
some months. other changes viii come !
but not In a hurry. Secretary Gage will !
probably be the next 20 go and an eastern |
man will succeed him