Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-01-09
Score One for Mrs. Secretary Shaw.

Wife Of the secretary OF the United
States treasury is Mrs. Shaw. of Iowa.
Her husband. Governor Shaw, has been
asked by President Roosevelt to take the
place vacated by Secretary Gage. and he
has accepted the position.
In Mrs. Shaw's first newspaper inter-
view she is up TO the mark as sensible
woman.
Governor Shaw is said 10 be worth but
$3.50. eco and when Mrs. Shaw was told that
Secretary Gage spent 100000 more than
his salary she said:
1--WE always done my best wherever I've
heen. and I'm not at all frightened. !
know they say Mr.. Gage spent 100000
more than his salary. owing TO the de-
mands Of society. but that seems to me
needless and a triie foolish. Mr.. Shaw
told me Senator Allison assured him we
would be able TO 20 out I'm society all that
Is necessary on 5000 a year more than his
salary, and i guess maybe we can stand
that for a few years. don't want TO
make Mr.. Shaw hard up, and shall not.
but YOU know I've always borne my
share Of society work. and expect shall
In Washington. They say II nearly wreck
ed Mrs. Cages health, but I shall not be
alarmed on that account, as I'm so well
and strong"
Mr. Shaw does not intend to bankrupt
her own health or her husbands fortune,
and the sensible people of this country
viii stand by her in her heroic resolution.
II she had gone further and said that she
intended 10 keep fairly within the 5000
that her husband will receive as salary
from the United States government. the
country would say. We'll done. Mrs. Sec
rotary Shaw
This country is not built on lines of re-
gal. display. or the magniicence Of mon
archy. II will be time enough for this
display when We forsake the basic prin-
ciples OF a republic and ask for a king TO
rule over US. We need to go back TO the
simple. honest ways Of the founders of the
republic. and Mrs. Shaw will be the right
woman in the right place when she sets
her face against profuse extravaganza
and the fulsome exhibit Of overgrown
wealth in cabinet positions.
This extravaganza is demoralizing, be-
cause political promotion is based on
money instead OF intellect too often.
The presidents official family should be
noted for brains. not dollars. The poor
wise man should be given the opportunity
TO serve his country as well as the
''hloated bondholder."
Money is extraordinarily good in it's
place. but there are positions where wis
dom and not money is in demand, and It
viii be a sad day for our country when
nobody but a millionaire can maintain
seat I'm the presidents cabinet.
There is no limit in that direction when
such prominence is based on money. IL
millionaires are the only ones 20 become
secretaries IN National authority. then the
rivalry will be carried up into billions in
the last analysis. and then there will be
only a Pierpont Morgan. or somebody like
him. rich enough to become the autocrat
OF all the Americans.
Mrs. Shaw's words have a hearty heal
thy sound In them. Let US hope she will
be able TO keep the faith when she arrives
i'm Washington city. IL will take nerve and
perseverance TO begin any sort of reform
in official life at the national capital. Mrs.
Shaw should be heartily encored.