Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-29
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Elk Representative Tayler
Being Pressed
FOR JUDICIAL HONORS
SECRETARY TAFT'S CONFERENCE
WITH THE PRESIDENT
On Matters Relating to the Philippines
Mr.. Garfield's Corporation Ideas
Smoke Consuming Devices.


1t is understood that an effort will be
made to induce the President to appoint
as the successor to Francis J. Wing Judge
of the northern district of Ohio Robert w
Iayfer, who formerly represented the old
mckinley district In the House, and who
now is the principal attorney for the pro-
testants IN the inquiry which is being con-
Quoted by the Senate into the status of
Senator Smoot of Utah. Mr.. Tayler Is
recognized as an able lawyer and wei!
equipped for a position in the federal jul
dietary. Senator Foraker holds Mr.. Tay-
Ter In high regard and it is said he spoke
highly of him to President Roosevelt, al
though it is not known that he recommend
ed his appointment The district is an in
dustrial center, and it is urged that the
man chosen for the successorship to Judge
Wing should be in touch with industrial in
terests and thoroughly informed on the
law bearing upon those interests. These
qualifications Mr. Tayler possesses IN a hig,
degree. Before making the appointment the
president Will confer not only with the
ONO senators and with others directly in
terested In the case. but with Secreta "
Taft, who, as an Ohio man and as former
member OF the federal judiciary in tina,
state. is entirely familiar with the situa-
riOus aspirants to the appointment
Representative Burton of Ohio was at the
White House with the President today but
said that he had not taken up with him
the selection of Judge for the northern
district of Ohio.
Secretary Taft's Conference.
Secretary Taft, who is engrossed just now
with matters pertaining to the Philippines
had conference today with the Presi-
Ian ardi ncr
the archipelago. The Secretary desires that
the proposed reduction in the tariff on
Philippine sugar and tobacco should be
provided for at this session of Congress-
and he is urging his views strongly with all
members of Congress to whom he has OBJ
portunity to talk. He hopes to obtain a
rate on sugar and tobacco imported from
the Philippines of p per cent of the regu-
lar Dingley rate. He intimated today that
negotiations had been initiated looking to
a possible compromise on a Philippine
tariff rate between the present two ex-
tremes, but it was too early yet to predict
what the result of the negotiations might
be. Those who, like Secretary Taft, are
familiar with Philippine conditions are
holding out for p per cent rate, because
they say, the transportation charges from
the islands to America are SO heavy that
unless such a rate is given Philippine to-
bacco and sugar cannot be brought into
this country with any prospect OF success
to the venture.
Mr.. Garfield's Corporation Ideas.
1t is not expected that legislation looking
to the carrying into effect of the recon-
menda lions of James r. Garfield, commits
sioner of corporations, will be initiated at
the present session of Congress. Mr.. Gar
fields argument in support of the federal
charter plan for corporations doing an in
terstate business is being considered, how
ever, by members of Congress. AS the
head of the bareau of corporations Mr..
Garfield holds himself in readiness to sup
ply to those entitled to it all information
the subject at the command of his bu-
reau. He has no idea, however, of draft
ing a measure, embodying the federal
franchise plan. for presentation to Con-
greSs. That, he makes clear, is not the
purpose of his bureau. The proposition
which he recommended in his annual
port is a big one with many important
ramifications. That it should be dealt with
he is certain. but he is quite as certain
that the manner in which it should be han
died should be initiated not by him. but by
the Congress. Mr. Garfield had a talk with
the President today, but the nature of the
conference was not disclosed.
Smoke Consuming Devices.
Since the publication. few days ago. of
the letter sent by President Roosevelt.
through Secretary Loeb, to the District
Commissioners, regarding the violation of
the smoke law in this city. the White
House mail has been burdened with commu-
nications from all parts of the country set
ting out the merits of various smoke con-
suIners and suggesting plans for the abate-
ment of the smoke nuisance. All sorts OF
devices for the consumption OF smoke are
being recommended to the President, some
of his correspondents suggesting that If he
will interest himself in their smoke con-
Stunning contrivances the problem would be
ha
Presidents interest in the abatement of
the smoke nuisance is personal. it does not
go to the extent of influencing him to un-
dertake the promotion of particular con-
sumner All communications on the SUBJ
ject go over Secretary Loeb's desk IN the
usual way and, as they come, are being
referred to the District Commissioners.
Simmons Gets a 'Possum.
It has come at last, and there will be
something doing January l. 1t will be
hard temptation to hold off that long, but
contemplation will grease the grooves OF
iupatience and make it all the greater
when the time comes Reference Is made
to a dressed 'possum just received by Ar
thur Simmons, the coiored doorkeeper for
Secretary Loeb. He doesn't know wfere IL
came from or who it came from. He 1s
certain however, from the appearance of
the animal that it is from North Carolina
and that it was the fattest and finest that
could be gotten Dy some Oh HIS.
Some vile newspaper men have tried to
put thoughts in his head that may take
the constantly growing taste for the pos
sum out of his mouth, but he vows that
not even the rector of his church could
prevent him doing justice to the animal on
Sunday next. The suggestions put forth
are that many able, distinguished men in
history, not to say women, have eaten of
morsels sent by unknown persons, with the
result that their families have Immediately
been put to the necessity of consulting I'M
dertakerS.
Simmons has pricked Up his ears at these
gruescme stories of poisoned packages of
candy and other goodies. but he is still
faithful to his tastes and traditions for
'possum. II there is a fatal result after
the feast. Simmons philosophically figures
that he will be in a state of such content
ment that dissolution will be something
unheard of in the pleasure that will ac-
company 1t.
1.-The 'possum is the finest I ever saw"
he said today. Next Sunday is not COM
munion day at my church. and I expect
to be home right after church and COM
mence on that 'possum. My friend sent
along some awful fine looking sweet po-
tato vans with the possum and that part
OF the dressing is prepared. Besides this.
there will be apple sauce. and just enough
of something wet to brush away the cob