Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-01-31
MR.. HERMANN RETIRES
LEAVES THE GENERAL LAND OF
FICE TODAY
Clerks Babe Him Farewen-Commis-
sioner Richards to Take
Charge Monday.

Commissioner Binger Hermann Of the
general land Office retires from office this
afternoon, and on Monday morning Com
missioner-elect William A Richards will
take the oath Of Office and assume the du-
ties Of commissioner. Mfr. Hermann has
been in charge Of the land Office almost six
years. He was appointed commissioner
shortly after President Mckinley was in
augurated in 1897, and was reappointed in
1901. He was for many years a representa-
tive of the state of Oregon in the House of
Representatives. and as such became IA
miliar with the public land laws.
President Mckinley. When his first term
as commissioner Of the general land office
expired there was slight disagreement as
to his reappontment. There was de-
termined opposition to his being appointed
to succeed himself. and fight was made
with the President for the appointment.
A Second Appointment.
. Mr.. Hermann was able to beat his
enemies out, however. and secured the ap-
pointment. For several months past the
relations between the commissioner and the
Secretary of the Interior have been
strained.
There were no charges made against the
commissioner. nor was there any change
In the official relations. Secretary Hitch
COCK O1Q not approve OF the pO1Cy OIL COLu-
missioner Hermann In the conduct Of some
of the routine business Of the general land
Office, and intimated several times that his
resignation would be acceptable.
Commissioner Hermann's record in office
was such that his resignation could not be
asked for. He had conducted the business
of his Office in a business-like manner, and
was satisfactory far as the President
was concerned. Mr. Hermann could not
stand the strain Of the heavy work thrown
on his office, however. and late last sum-
mer announced to his friends that he in
tended to retire about the first OF the year.
He formed an excellent connection IN the
law business in Oregon and made every
preparation to leave his office. On Decem-
Der % 1t was announced that he would re-
sign, and about a week or ten days ago his
resignation was forwarded to the President.
Clerks Say Farewell.
This morning the older clerks in the land
office called on the commissioner and babe
him goodbye. He received them all cor
daily, and after shaking hands with all
thanked them for their faithful perform
ance Of their duty under him. The day was
spent in settling UP the accounts Of the
office and In clearing out the commission
probably remain in Washington several
days before leaving for Oregon. He has
several matters OF a private nature to settle
before he leaves here to take UP his resi-
dence permanently in Oregon.
The new commissioner Mr.. William A.
Richards, has been assistant commissioner
of the general land Office for the past two
or three years. Mr.. Richards was born IN
Wisconsin, but was appointed from Wyo-
ming. where he had made his home, and
Of which state he was governor. Mr.. Rich
ards is a man Of commanding presence and
great executive ability.
Mr.. Richards will be succeeded as assist
ant commissioner by Mr.. John n. Fimple
Of Carrollton, Ohio. Mr.. Fimple was for
merry assistant to the assistant attorney
general for the department Of the interior.