New-York tribune., 1902-07-22
MLAURIN REFUSES PLACE.
THE SENATOR GIVES A NEWSPAPER
ATTACK AS REASON FOR De
CLINING JUDGESHIP
IBY TELEGRAPH TO THE rR1RUxE.1

oyster Bay. Long Island. July 21.-Announce-
ment was made this evening that Senator John
l. McLaurin had declined to accept the vacant
iudgeship in the Court of Claims 1t was for
mally rendered to him by the President about
a month ago, when Senator McLaurin had an
Interview with the President at the White
House. The offer made in recognition of
Senator McLaurin's valuable services TO the
Republicans. both in his State and in the United
States Senate. His recognized ability and
trained legal mind led the President to believe
that ne was peculiarly qualified 10 fill the va
cant judgship. which is an Office for life, with
q salary Of $4,000 year.
Although Senator McLaurin was urged TO ac-
cept the office, he sent his final refusal to the
President this week. giving reason in par
ticular the publication of an article in Far
Eastern Democratic newspaper. which charged
that Senator McLaurn had sold his pledge to
vote for a Republican measure in the Senate in
return for the promise of a life office as good
as the judgeship in the Court of Claims. This
clipping was pasted on the letter containing his
deoiihation. President Roosevelt regards the
charge as contemplate, and it is intimated that
he will offer Senator McLaurin another office
in the government service If a suitable vacancy
can be found.
Senator McIaurin. when his views about the
admins tration Of the national government were
cratic party. BY joining the Republicans and
voting with them party measures he created
the bitterest enmity among of his former
colleagues. who threatened not TO permit him
the usual Senatorial courtesy if his name were
sent TO the Senate for confirmation. Though
this not mentioned in his letter declining
the appointment, account of 1t his refusal
viii not be received altogether as a surprise
President and Mrs. Roosevelt received
guests this morning Mrs William S. Cowles,
the Presidents sister and wife of Commander
Cowles, and Miss Roosevelt, the Presidents
cousin, who arrived in this country yesterday
after trip to England 10 attend the coronation
ceremonies. These guests will remain with the
President for two weeks
Father Peter MacQueen called at Sycamore
IIill to see the President to-day
Colonel Hepburn, chairman of the Committee
Interstate Commerce in the House. came TO
Oyster Bay on one of the evening trains to
talk to the President about plans for the 18TH
mian canal and the successor TO Colonel George
c. Tichenor, late General Appraiser al New-York.
The President is disposed 10 await the investi-
cation concerning the title of the Panama Canal
Company and more complete agreement with
the necessary land in perpetuity before he
undertakes outlining a working plan for the
canal construction.
Professor Bliss, son Of the founder of the
American College at BeyrOut, Syria, called TO
the President TO 50 icit his support for the
welfare OF the institution.
Father York, one OF the Presidents neighbors,
made friendly call ar Sycamore Hill this even
ing. He gave thC President half dozen fine
"broilers" in fulflment of a promise made long
time ago, when Father York told the President
of his hobby. raising chickens and that he
supplied the tables of the Holy See Rome
with these birds.