The Washington times., 1902-07-23
.MR. MCLAURIN MAY HAVE
FEARED FIGHT IN SENATE

would result, and the attacks which
would be made upon him for supporting
Republican measures and then accepting
what would be called reward at the
hands of a Republican administration.
II is said that they have instead en-
couraged him to continue his hght
against Senator Tillman for return TO
the Senate, and have promised him their
aid and support.
Owes Elevation to His Colleague.
Everyone at all familiar with the sit
uation in South Carolina understands
very well that Senator McLaurin owes
his elevation to the Senate to his pres
ent colleague. and now he has broken
with him 1t is as well understood that
Senator McLaurin stands absolutely no
chance of being returned when his term
expires in March next. Senator Nc
Laurin's successor will be man who is
a friend of Senator Tillman.
In view of this fact. surprise is ex-
pressed that Senator McLaurin should
have declined the judgship, even though
he did expect bitter fight would be
made against his confirmation.
Speculation As to Candidates.
Senator McLaurin's declination of the
place on the Court of Claims has opened
the way for speculation on the other
candidates.
Gist Blair, of Maryland and the Dis
trict of Columbia, is prominently men
toned. Mr.. Blair Is highly regarded as
lawyer. He is president Of the Ma
tional Safe Deposit Company, of Wash
ington.
The name of Eugene Philbin. of New
York, has also been mentioned. Gov
ernor Roosevelt made him district attor-
ney when he removed Asa Bird Gardner
1t is not seriously thought likely that
Mr. Philbin will get the Court of Claims
job.
1t is doubtful whether Mr.. PniIbin
would care to give up his law prac-
tice to accept such a position. There
is no doubt but that the President is dis
appointed on account of the refusal Of
Senator McLaurin to accept the appoint
ment. Nevertheless. the reasons for Sem
ator McLaurins decision are of such q
nature that the matter is apparently not
open to discussion.
Members of the District bar are en-
couraged to believe that the withdrawal
of Senator McLaurin will mean the ap-
pointment OF District man to fill the
vacancy on the Supreme Court bench OF
the District caused by the death OF
Justice Bradley. They figure that the
President may now offer the Court of
Claims judgeship to Representative Can
mons son-in-law. Mr.. John G. Thomp-
son, who is believed to have been slated
for the District bench, and leave the
latter appointment open to local at
torney.
With this prospect in view as soon
as the time is opportune the contest
will be renewed among the local aspi-
rants. District Attorney Gould, Mr. 3.
F. Leighton. and Corporation Counsel
DuvalI have been regarded as the lead
ing candidates.
Yesterday. however. there was some
talk of asking the President to appoint
Assistant District Attorney Hugh T.
Taggart, although he has never inti-
mated that he was a candidate for the
judgeship. Mr.. Taggart is Democra.
and has been in the District Attorneys
Office for many years. He is understood
not to desire to enter the field against
his present chief. Mr. Gould. who was
regarded as the leading candidate up
to the time Mr.. Thompsons candidacy
was mentioned and the influence which
he is able to exert was brought to bear
II is said. however. that II Mr. Tag
CART should be appointed, the next va
cancy would most likely go to Mr.
Gould. This would very likely be the
chief justiceship. Chief Justice Bing-
ham is the only Democrat now en- the
District bench, and he is eligible for
retirement. as is also Justice Hagner.
At any rate. local attorneys feel en-
couraged to hope that District man
may yet be appointed to FL the vacant
judgeship.