The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-01-16
Senator Pettigrew Calls Attention to Inappro-
prateness at This Time of Two
Presidential Appointments
Haran's Son Named for Attorney General,
McKennas Son Major, While Har-
rson's Son Is Removed.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 - While the
senate was in executive session today an
effort was made to secure confirmation
OF the nomination of James s. Harlan,
son of Justice Harlan, of the United
States supreme court, to be attorney gem
-eral for Porto Rico, but the action was
prevented by the objection of Senator
Pettigrew
Senators Foraker and Spooner united
IN an appeal to Mr.. Pettigrew to with
draw his objection, saying that Mr.. Har-
ian is an excellent lawyer and an accom-
phshed gentleman and would fill the
place as acceptably as any one who could
be named.
Mr.. Pettigrew responded that he had
no doubt of Mr.. Harlan's fitness for the
position for which he had been named
ana added that he had no personal OBJ
Jecuon to him. His objection, he said,
was based on higher grounds. He then
reclted the fact of the nominees rela-
1onship to Justice Harlan, and declared
that the nomination is entirely out of
place, in view of the fact that important
litigation affecting the island to which
Mr.. Harlan is appointed is now pending
before the court of which the father IS
a member.
STRONG OBJECTION. >
Il make no charge against the supreme
court" said Mr.. Pettigrew, but I do
say that the appointment of the two
sons of members of that court to i'm
portant positions under the administra-
tion at this juncture of affairs in the su-
preme court is indecent, to say the
least"
He referred in this connection to the
nomination of Justice McKennas son
to the Office of major in the army, say
ing that in giving him this place he had
been promoted over 11S other lieutenants
and captains Mr.. Pettigrew also com
mented upon the removal of Maj Har-
rlson, son of the eX-president intimat-
ing that this action was occasioned by
the fact that the attitude of Nh. Harri-
sons father on the question of our rela-
uonship TO our insular Possessions was
not in accord with the administrat:on's
course in those matters
MI. Pettigrew said he had no doubt
that Mr.. Harlan would be confirmed, but
ne ADDED that yea and nay vote would
De necessary to that accomplishment
and for that reason it would be neces-
sary TO nave quorum present when the
nomination should be acted ou
Senator Foraker replied briefly, refer
ring TO Mr.. Harlan's qualifications, and
expressing the opinion that the admin
1straton would have the support of JUS
uces Harlan and McKenna without con-
ferrlng favors upon their families There
was no quorum present, and the senate
ADJOURNED without action.
PROGRESS ON ARMY BILL.
Some progress was made by the senate
today In the consideration of the army
bill.
One amendment that has created much
discussion was disposed of and a tacit
agreement has been reached for vote
very soon.
Mr.. Cockrell, of Missouri, emphasized
his opposition to the increase in the army
proposed by the bill and his intention to
vote against it, but expressed his opin-
Ion that the bill ought to be disposed
of speedily. Mr.. Sewell, of New Jer-
sey, also urged speedy action on the
measure on account of the serious en-
barrassment the government was labor
Ing under in preparing for the return
OF the volunteers from the Philippines.
The principal speeches against the
bill were made by Mr.. Berry, of Arkan-
sas; Mr.. Bacon, of Georgia, and Mr.. Tel
ler, of Colorado. Mr.. Warren, of Wy
oming, delivered an extended argument
in support of the bill. During the
speech of Mr.. Bacon a coIloquy be-
tween him and Mr.. Hanna, of Ohio, as
to the issues in the November elections
created much interest. Mr. Bacon's
amendment striking out of the bill the
discretionary authority conferred upon
The president to increase the size of the