Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-09-12
INVESTIGATOR CHOSEN
SECRETARY HITCHCOCK FINDS
MAN HE HAS BEEN LOOKING FOR.
He Will Inquire Into the Scandals
That Have Been Developed in
Indian Territory.

Secretary Hitchcock has found the man
who will investigate the scandals that have
been developed in Indian territory. His
name, however, has not been made public.
and there is no Indication when it will be.
The Secretarys hunt for the proper person
to inquire into the affairs of the Indians In
the territory set apart for their habitat, has
been long and arduous. 1t was question
of the office hunting the man at every stage
of the game. There was no lack OF appli-
cants for the position. but in this particular
oase the Job is not given to the man who
applies for it. Secretary Hitchcock knew
that the kind Of man he wanted was not to
be found among the people who make a
practice of applying for every position they
see vacant, and therefore he looked care
fully over the men of his acquaintance
whom he thought he could prevail upon to
take the position. While the salary of the
Office Will be large, more than q member of
Congress receives, the kind of a man the
Secretary wanted to get is not the kind who
would take such a position for the salary
alone. To the man who was wanted. the
task would be practically one OF thank
less kind. The only satisfaction he would
get would be the fact that he had given
some service to his country
There was one man, a newpaper corre-
spondent, whom the Secretary thought would
take the position. This man. however, re-
fused to go. He had just returned from a
similar mission and he did not believe be
could do justice to the investigation about
to be started. Then the hunt began. and at
last the man has been found. Secretary
Hitchcock will not discuss the question in
any form. He simply states that the work
is progressing.
A Rumor in the Department.
Those acquainted with the situation be-
ueve that not only has Secretary Hitch
cock located his man. but that he has been
at work on the investigation, for a week at
any rate. and that his name will not be d.
vulged until he has made his report. This
is common rumor about the Interior De-
partment. but it Is only rumor and cannot
OF course be verified. 1t would be in line
with the policy Of the present head Of The
Interior Department to act in just this
manner. because he believes that whoever
goes to Indian Territory shall go there with
the very best chance Of obtaining the in
formation he seeks. and it is not believed
that this chance will Be afforded man
whose name and station Ia heralded
throughout the country. Such proceeding
on the part of the Secretary would insure
the presentation Of a report that is impair
tial and would also afford the man making
the investigation the best opportunity to
observe conditions as they exist and not AS
they would be presented to a representa-
tive of the department who enters upon the
work with the blare of trumpets and press
notices from the entire country. The fact
that an investigation of Oklahoma was
made by a representative of the President
and the Interior Department during the
summer. and in the most quiet manner
would seem to give weight to this rumor.
But, as stated, Secretary Hitchcock is reti-
cent and the only thing that can be learned
from his office is that the proper person to
conduct the investigation has been found.
Developments are expected at an early
date.
The mornings mail brought the secretary
the usual number Of applications from per-
sons in various sections Of the country for
the position of investigator.