The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-01-03
Tr. Goodnow Tried for the Toxic
Mission at the Time of Mr..
Bucks Death.
q College Professor Who Tried to
Have Him Dismissed Year
or So Ago.
Alleged Reason for Minister Con-
gers Dislike of Goodnow-Other
"Goodnowana."
From The Journal Bureau, Room IS, Post Build
Jnc was

From The Journal Bureau, Room As, Post Build
ing, Washington
Washington, Jan. 3.-From authentic
sources it is learned that John Goodnow
was recently a candidate for minister to
Japan, at the time of Minister Buck S
death. He is ambitious. and no effort was
made here to conceal his desire to secure
something better, in return for his serv-
ices at Shanghai during the boxer
troubles.
Apropos of the proposed investigation
of GoodnoW for improper conduct in office,
is story which comes to the public by
way OF the state department, of an effort
year or two ago, to prejudice the de-
partment against Goodnow and secure his
removal A certain professor in an east
ern college lectured on the American con-
sular service, with especial reference to
Its weak points, one Of which, he said,
was the low type of men almost invaria bly,
selected for consular appointments. What
was needed in the consular service, he
said. was gentlemen, men of education
and refinement. and not mere politicians
and roustabouts. He cited Mr. Goodnow
as an illustration Of the type Of men who
should not be in the service, remarklng
that he had been a garbage collector be-
fore receiving the appointment to Shang
hal.
The lecturer sent copy of his remarks
to Secretary Hay, who looked it over with
q. good deal Of interest, although he was
very far from agreeing with the conclu-
lions and statements it contained. One
day Mr.. Hay was looking the lecture over
In the presence Of several newspaper cor
respondents, and after some general dis
cussion of the situation, and Of Good
now's services, he said that If Mr.. Good
now had come up from the garbage bust
ness. he thought it would be a good thing
for the government If 1t could have a lew
more garbage collectors in the consular
field. Whether this opinion has been
shaken by the recent charge of the Amer
5can association at Shanghai is not known.
The Reason for Conger's Dislike.
Minister Conger's dislike of Goodnow
dates from the time when the latter was
n candidate for Conger's position in the
Mckinley administration. Goodnow's rec
ord during the Boxer uprising was such
that there was a good deal Of talk of pro-
noting him, or in some way showing the
appreciation Of the government and at that
time talk was also heard that Mr.. Conger
was likely to be retired. While Mr.. Good
now's candidacy was prominent Mr.. Con-
i ger came home, made himself solid with
the administration and returned to Pekin
with a dislike for Geodnow,a which has
not abated with the passing OF the months
These matters are wen understood in
Washington and it is possible, because o.
them,s that Cenger will not be asked to in
Nestigate the charges recently made
against Goodnow by the American Asso
citation at Shanghai. The state depart,
ment has not yet acted.
Third Assistant Secretary PIERCE (pro
bounced Purse), who has charge of al
consular offices. and who will issue an or
per Of investigation should one be made
has not received the papers which came
from the American Association through
Mr.. Conger. They will reach him, how
over, before many days. In advance O.
their arrival he is unwilling to discuss tn,
matter AS stated the other day. how
over. it is believed that the state depart
aent will make a thorough investiga
. hon.
GoodnoW's Predecessor Active.
: It is possible that the charges are i,
son1e way inspired by Goodnows prede
cessor, who gave up his office very re
Iuctantly and who was in the fight to pre-
vent Goodnow's confirmation by the sen
Ate. But at the same time, If the investi
cation shall show the charges to be tru
or even partially true their origin will no
be considered as vital. Reasons are mul
ttplying why the government will not car
10 keep Mr.. GOodnow at Shanghai, even
pc is found innocent Of the charges unles
he can manage in some way to quiet tn
opposition Of the American Association
there. A great bulk Of his official bushes
is through the members Of this associa tior
whose interests he is expected especially
TO represent and further, if they declin
to fraternize with him, whether for goo
reasons Or not, the president would hardl
Insist upon retaining him in the presen
position, and, at the same time Woul
hesitate about transferring him. Their
certainly will be no transfer, unless M,
Goodnow is able to show a clean bill Q
health in every particular. Failure t
show such a bill would Also under tn
roosevelt system, lead to his imnnediat
dismissal.
w. W. Jermane