The Washington times., 1902-07-27
Mr.. Shaw's Oyster Bay
Visit Causes Much
Alarm.
SUB0RDINATES WATCHFUL
General Shaking Up Feared by Clerks
Iowan Said to Be Very Anxious to
Increase Efficiency of His Department
in Every Way Possible.

That President Roosevelt has sum-
moned several members of his Cabinet
to Oyster Bay for personal conference
has occasioned more than the usual
amount of interest to the officials and
clerks in those departments. because Of
persistent rumors that important mat
tiers of policy are at stake.
When the visits of Secretaries Shaw
and Moody to the Presidents Long
Island home are talked about in their
official precincts here. there invariably
enters into the discussion some sug
gestion or other, amounting almost to
a prophecy, that something is going to
drop" and that in consequence it be-
hooyes each Government worker to be
on the lookout
Many OF the leading officials and
clerks of the Treasury Department are
now scanning the oyster Bay dispatches
in the newspapers with more than the
usual amount of personal interest,
not to say apprehension. because OF the
present visit there of Secretary Shaw.
Almost concurrently with Mr.. Shaw's
going away all the rumors In circula-
tioE since his taking Office seemed TO be
rejuvenated in some form or other in
the quarters where they would engage
the greatest amount of Interest. The
question Treasury workers are asking
one another is whether the Oyster Bay
trip is going TO prove any Of these re-
ports to have n basis in reality, with
dire consequences TO some one or other,
or whether the midsummer dullness will
continue undisturbed as in the past.
pras;6art,e Action Ounfad
In support OF many of the rumors
regarding possible changes in his posi-
, tion. there is invariably quoted the
action of President Roosevelt in the
New York immigration office clearing
up of about two months ago. In that
instance affairs were found to be So
complicated that the President simply
determined to make Z clean sweep cf
all those in any way connected with the
Office rather than oust any one official
and thus put him in the possible posi-
tion of claiming that he had been made
a scapegoat for the failings of others.
In regard to the report that sweep
ing changes in the personnel of the
Treasury Departments executive force
were contemplated and that this would
be the main theme under discussion at
visit there. the opinion of the latter was
sought just before Lis departure from
this city for Oyster Bay, where he ar
rived on Friday. The Secretary will be
there over Sunday, and the general ex-
pectation here is that the work of his
department will have a very thorough
threshing over. AS the rumors were re-
peated, in order, the Iowan exhibited |
signs of varying '.terest, with occa-
sional Indications of surprise.
Mr.. Shaw's Disclaimer.
'Just say that l an not professional |
reformer," he commented, 3uavely, |
punching all the reports under one head |
for the time being. There are often !
found to be methods in use which may |
easily be improved upon, If the proper |
amount of the time and study are given |
10 their consideration. and working out.
Again, after much experimenting, the
old way may prove to have been the
best after ALL We are simply going
along here TO make the best record
possible in our work. and l have faith
in being well seconded in my efforts by
those l look to for the greatest amount
Of help.
Some time ago when there seemed to
be an impression in some quarters that
a certain kind of worN in the depart
ment was not being done in Just the
best way, / investigated and found that
the plan could be improved upon very
materially. When that had been done,
the same officials who were there before,
gained the cordial approval OF the very
people who had previously criticised
them most harshly. 1t was merely a
case where the system was to blame,
and not the men"
Officials on the Lookout.
Mr.. Shaw was very cautious about
making any comment as to whether any
action might be decided upon at Oyster
Bay in regard to one or two OF the
rumors which have long been in circula-
lion regarding the further tenure in Of
fee OF several officials of high station In
the department. IT would be manifest
y improper, he said, TO touch upon
any rumors or even TO admit that the
statements In question were under any
official consideration.
Though the Oyster Bay trip may have
important consequences to the depart
ment, IT is not believed that any an
nouncement will OF necessity follow i'm
mcdiately. Notwithstanding this. how
ever Treasury officials and clerks are
keeping weather eye to windward and
are watching for Oyster Bay dispatches
telling 0; Mr. Shaw's departure down
Long Ialand Sound bound for Washing
.op.