Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-12-22
MR.. sTUART's APPOINTMENT.

OF virginia, 10 succeed Morgan lIeal'
mention ofwhich was made in yesterday
Gazette, will be received in Virginia
with great surprise. Mr.. Stuart, Is the
son OF the famous Confederate cavalry
general, J. T. B. Stuart, and it Is said
at the White House that this fact was
a strong argument for his appointment.
Mr. Stuart was Endorsed for The place
by Representative Slemp, the only re-
publican representative in Congress from
the State, and by United States District
Attorney Lewis, but did not have the
Endorsement Of the regular organization.
His appointment, however, is not consl1-
cred blow to the Organization" as II
j. known that Mr.. Treat, the deposed
marshal, is and mas been for some time
inimical to the Organization, which, OF
course, will noe grieve at his downfall.
1t is explained at the White House
in connection with Mr.. Stuart's appoint
ment that it is the intention of the Presi'
dent to appoint to Office in the Southern
States men of only the highest reputa-
ton, who will prove acceptable in the
in The discharge Of their duties to all the
people Of tho State irrespective OF party
or other prejudices.
Mr.. Stuart appointment was received
with surprise by Chairman Aguew of the
republican State committee, who resides
in this city, and dispatch from Rich
mond says SIS
The news Of the decentralization b.
President Roosevelt of J. L B. Stuart
as marshal for the Eastern District OF
Virginia came as great surprise to the
oficeholdiug republicans in Richmond,
and leaves them in All unhappy state OF
mind. The ice once broken, they know
not who may be the next to plunge into
the frozen waters. Morgan Treat, the
present United States marshal, was APP
pointed by President Mckinley for a
term Of four years in 1902, and his COM
mission state that bis term Of Office shall
continue to March 4, 1906. Its, there
fore, not an expiration, but clear case
of removal from Office. 1t is not known in
Richmond whether any charges were
preferred against Treat from that city,
but it is suspected, from his intense ac-
tiyity in local politics, that the charge Of
offensive parlisanship may have been
made. Mr.. Treat had no reason to be-
icye that he would not serve out his
term. Members Of the opposing faction
declare that treats resignation was ask
ed for several weeks ago. This is
denied in Marshal Treats Office, and
the change is regarded as per
sonal appointment of the President.
Mr.. Stuart is the son of the famous
Confederate cavalryman. Until 1896
he was a democrat, but then voted for
Mckinley, and since, for Roosevelt.
lie gained the friendship of Roosevelt
while captain of volunteers in Cuba,
and is now a personal friend and great
admrer of the President. A prominent
republican outside of the officehvlding
element declared today it was an evil
dcnce Of the purpose OF the President
to build up an intelligent white republic
can party in Virginia. If it should
have been a part OF the reported policy
Of Mr.. Roosevelt to win the friendship
OF the South, he has not selected un.
wisely, as there is still large Confeder-
ale sentiment that will appreciate such
an overture. 80"
1t is said in Washington that the ser.
vices of Treat as United States marshal
have not been satisfactory to the Depart
ment of Justice Tor some time and that
two days ago the President directed At
torney General Moody to ask for Treat
resignation. The letter was written,
but before Treat had time to reply the
nomination Of Stuart was sent to the
Senate.
1t is also said in Washington that
neither Col. Slemp nor other Virginia
republicans we're consulted or knew Of
the appointment Of Stuart, although ex.
Representative John S. Wise, of New
York, but formerly of Virginia, for
whom neither the Virginia democrats
nor republicans have any political re-
gard, suggested the selection. Capt
Wise has recently been a visitor at the
White House offices.
The appointment of Mr.. Stuart and
the removal OF Mr. Treat were the topics
OF earnest conference last evening at the
Ebbitt in Washington Col. Slemp was
there, before departing in the evening
for Roanoke. With him were United
States District Judge Waddill and ex-
Judge Lewis, now United States district
attorney. Marshal Treat also arrived
late in the afternoon audtalked with the
gentlemen mentioned Neither Col
Semp nor Mr.. Treat was willing to dis
cuss the matter, The announcement of
the appointment was a surprise to both
OF them. Col. Slemp was first apprised
Of il during a call on the President yes.
terday morning. When Marshal Treat
was asked what he had TO say about his
removal he replied:
al do not care to say anything, ex-
cept that am advised no complaint has
been made in regard to the discharge of
my official duties 1c-
Mr.. George E. Bowden returned from
Washington to Norfolk yesterday, where
he went to look toto report that his in
fuence in the .sistribdiidn Of federal
patronage soon was to pass 10 a republi
can legislative committee to be named
by Congressman Slemp and Judge Lewis,
Bowden appears to be highly pleased
with what he heard while in Washing
ton.
Mr. Bowden declares that he was not
aware of the proposal to drop Marshal
Treat. Bowden was opposed by Treat
al the recent convention and there was