New-York tribune., 1903-04-05
SHAW ANDTHE PRESIDENT
NO FRICTION EXISTING.
Treasury Department Changes HAD
Rooseuelts ApproUal.
TBY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE. ]

Washington April 4-When Secretary Shaw
arrived in Washington tonight from Chlcaso
he was confronted with number or STORIES TO
the effect that there were serious differences
between himself and President Roosevelt re-
garding the changes which have been recently
made in the Treasury Department in Washins-
ton and elsewhere well as others which are
contemplated but aside from saying that there
was absolutely no foundation for such a re-
port and that, on the contrary, President Roose-
welt is in close touch and absolute harmony
with the Treasury Department administration,
the Secretary declares the matter unworthy of
attention
When Secretary Shaw assumed charge of the
Treasury Department, something over year
ago. he told by the President that the great
est problems to be solved would not be those of
financial policies, but the more delicate and IN
tricate ones of administration and personnel.
This fact the Secretary has found to be the
case, and he has given such matters the most
careful consideration. The results have been
many changes of important officials in this time.
Each of these changes has received the
Presidents approval, and at the accomplish
-nent of some of them President Roosevelt has
expressed his admiring surprise. More changes
are to be made, but there is the best authority
for the statement that in the future. as in the
EAST, nothing will be done without being pre-
ceded by the most thorough investigation ana
careful consideration The object which is being
sought by both the President and the Secre-'
tary is the gathering together Of an ef1clent
staff of workers competent in every way to ad-
minister the laws which the Treasury Depart
ment is charged with enforcing, regardless of
the political phases of appointments.
Secretary Shaw took the case Of Assistant
Treasurer Williams under advisement while he
he Illinois
ators have Jumped at the conclusion that Treas
urer Williams is to go and have joined in recon-
mending his successor it is said that the Will
Jams case is not closed. Mr.. Williams is to have
full opportunity to present his side of the case,
particularly regarding the 5000 shortage in ac-
counts which the original basis for the IN
vestigation.
To the general criticism that changes nave
been made without due investigation and that
places have been filed without due inquiry as
to the fitness of the appointee. the head or the
Treasury Department gives an emphatic de-
nial. But that changes are being made and
will continue to be made for the good of the ser
vice. is not disputed
Secretary Shaw comes back to his desk highly
gratified at the success of President Roose-
veIt's Chicago reception The Secretary made
most careful and critical study of the audi
ence which the President addressed in Chicago.
1t comprised representatives Of every phase or
Chicago citizenship, although it would have been
an easy matter 10 have filled the Auditorium
with any particular class of citizens, but a sue
cessful effort had been made to have the Presl-
dent heard by a representative audlence- Inc
President was right on the Bit in his remarks
and his audience was with him, to the
small child who enthusiastically applauded his
stand on the Monroe Doctrine.
Secretary Shaw viii go to Iowa before the
President reaches that State. and will accom-
pany him throughout the Iowa tour.