The Washington times., 1902-12-09
VIce GoUernor Luke Z.
Wright 10 BE Placed at
Head Of Commission and
MADE G00erHor Of the Ar-
cRPelago.
W. ". RockhlH Noe Chez
of BureaUof American Re
PubllcS, SSiiQfed for KacGn-
cY IN Aocord WRR Nc
KmleV'S Wish.

Important changes are contemplated IN
the Philippine Commission. II is prob
able that within a few months Judge
William H. Taft chairman Of the Com
mission and governor Of the Philippine
Islands. VIII resign to accept place on
the United States Supreme Court bench.
and that W W. Rockhil. now chief OF
he Bureau OF American Republics. viii
be appointed 10 MI The vacancy on the
Philippine Commission created by Judge
Taft's transfer 30 the Supreme Court az
Washington. It is positively known that
the President has determined 10 max,
these appointments as soon as Justice
George shiras avails himself OF the
privilege % retiring from the supreme
Court under the tcn-year service clause.
When Judge Taft shall have been pro-
NOTED 70 the supreme Court il will be
IN fulhliment of a promise Of President
Mckinley Judge Taft resigned from
the Federal circuit bench in Ohio 70 ae-
cept the chairmanship OF the P5ilippgas
Commission az the urgent solicitation OF
the late President. with whom he had
been on terms Of intimate friendship for
many years.
Promise Of Reward.
At that time President Mckinley as
sured Judge Taft Of his purpose to re-
ward hmm for the great sacrihce involved
for-the public welfare by promoting him
10 the United States supreme Court as
soon as a vacancy occurred 10 which t6e
section Of country represented by Judge
Taft was entitled. Last summer Gecrse
Sl a son ot The Justice. announced at
Pittsburg that his father intended 10 re-
tire from the bench as soon as be bad
Of some important cases that
had been assigned TO him by his asso-
ciates. IL is believed that Justice Shlras
will ask for reti-@1uent within tae next
six months and then the President viii
make formal announcement OF the selec-
ton Of Judge Taft TO succeed him.
It is assumed that with the retirement
Of Judge Taft from the Philippine Com
mission his place as chairman and gov
ernor Of the islands viii be taken by
Gen. Luke K. Wright Of Tennessee. nov.
vice chairman OF the Commission and
vice governor OF the Philippines. Geuer-
al Wright returned TO his home at Mem
phis three weeks ago on leave Of absence.
and was a guest Of the President at the
White House last week. nj which time he
was hold OF the changes In contemplation.
Mr.. Rockhiu Slated.
Mr.. Rockhul. who is slated Tor a posi-
lion on the Philippine Commission. has
been identified in various capacities with
the public service for many years. He
was at one time chief clerk Of the state
Department. aud was made Assistant
Of state in the last Admiuis-
tration of President Cleveland He was
transferred by President Mckinley from
hat post TO Athens. as United States
TO Greece. When he was re-
called by President Mckinley he vas
made chief Of the Bureau OF American
Republics. 10 succeed the late joseph P.
smith. President McKinley's first seiec-
tion for the position.
He was sent by President Mckinley to
China as special commissioner during
the Boxer" troubles in 1900. and when
he returned from that duty resumed his
place at the head OF the Bureau Of
American Republics Nr ROckhin is a
citizen of Maryland. and was recognized
as q Democrat until the split in that
party occurred six years ago.