The Washington times., 1902-08-06
Nr. Robert |. Fleming
Named as a Possible
Dark Horse.
FRIENDS QUIETLY AT WORK
Mr.. Francis E. Leupp, a Newspaper
Correspondent, Once More Mentioned
in Official Circles as a Possible Win
ner-School Board Factor in Case.
Look out for Robert I. Fleming"


Keep watch on Francis f. Leupp."
These two tips were whispered
around yesterday in District circles
among those who are interested in the
vacant Commissionership. Some had
the tip that Mr.. Fleming was the dark
horse who would win, and others had
information to the effect that Mr.. Leupp
would be the man selected.
It is said that, unknown to the pub
lie in general. quiet but determined
effort has been made in behalf of Mr.
Fleming. He has not declared himself
as a candidate. but is said to be in a
receptive mood, and to be Saying moth
ing and saving wood while a small
ccterie of influential friends are out on
a still hunt In his behalf.
Mr. Fleming is a well known real es-
tate dealer, and has been identified
somewhat heretofore with politics, so
that he has strong political backing
He is declared to be a thorough Dem
ocrat and possessed of all the neces-
sary qualifications for the Office The
discovery that Mr. Fleming was con-
Quoting a secret campaign yesterday
caused some surprise among the friends
OF the other candidates.
Mr.. Leupp's Candidacy.
1t is said that the tip on Mr.. Leupp
resulted from his visit to the Presi-
dent few days ago. No one has been
able to ascertain that his purpose in go
ing to Oyster Bay was other than to
talk over the District Commissionership
Mr.. Leupp is the correspondent OF the
New York Evening Post" and is a
close personal friend of the President
He was offered. il is said, the Civil
Service Corimissionership. made vacant
by the resignation Of Mr.. Rodenberg, but
declined. The salary Of n District Com
missioner is 81 500 more than that of the
Civil Service Commissioner, and At is
thought that Mr.. Leupp might accept it.
School Board Friction a Factor
A report has been in circulation for
a day or two that the school board
might have an important bearing upon
the appointment OF a Commissioner. In
the division of duties among the mem
bers of the Board of Commissioners the
schools came under the immediate su-
pervision of Mr.. Ross, and T. is sup
posed that the same classification will
continue in regard TO his successor. II
. is now said that the friction IN the
school board has been made more or
ltss a factor in the Commissionership
fight.
Labor Indorses Mr.. W. V. Cox.
At meeting CT the Laborcrs' Pro
tective Union. No. gi54, last night the
following resolutions were presented
and adopted:
Recognizing that the vacancy on the
Board of Commissioners of the District
OF Columbia created by the death OF
the Hon John W. Ross should be filled
by person possessing the executive and
administrative ability requisite for that
important office, but by one who is also
qualified by reason OF Identification and
familiarity with the national interests
and needs OF our community.
Whereas Mr.. William V. Cox, whose
large and varied interests have brought
him into intimate touch with our people
and put him in active sympathy with
their welfare, is in every way eminently
qualified to I'll the office of Commits
sioner, and, believing that his appoint
ment would give universal satisfaction
to the people of the District of Column
bia; therefore. be ii
Resolved, That Mr.. William V. Cox is
hereby commended 10 the President as
man who is in every way qualified 10
fill the aforesaid vacancy, and that his
appointment thereto is most earnestly
recommended, and that these resolutions
be entered upon the minutes of this or
ganization. and that a copy be furnished
TO the public press and TO Mr. Cox"