Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-06-25

IlooScNtit WAS dllIlOull,tu OIIlcldlly Ill
the White House. today. The announce
ment came in the form of a brief type
written statement issued by Secretary
Loeb as follows:/
1.-The following cabinet appointments
are announced:
"Wm. ii. Moody Of Massachusetts
attorney general; Paul Morton of Hi
nOis. secretary OF the navy: Victor IL
Mc.calf of California, secretary of COM
merce and labor.
The resignation of Secretary COrtel-
you and Attorney General Knox have
been accepted to take effect July l."
Tor two weeks or more. it has been
known that these changes were inn
pending. When Secretary Cortelyou
WAS selected by President Roosevelt Ia
be his campaign manager, it was GER
tain that he would retire from the cab
met upon his assumption of duties as
chairman of the Republican national
committee. Just before he left for Chi
cagO last Wednesday, he placed in the
hands of the President his letter of
resignation from the department of
commerce and labor. 1t was understoo.
between the President and him that
the resignation was to be accepted Ia
take effect at the end of the present
fiscal year. June 80, inclusive. The TAX
ing effect of his resignation at that
time would afford him an opportunity
to complete some work in the depart
ment which he had initiated and which
it was important he should carry to
conclusion.
One week ago today, Attorney Cen
eral Knox formally announced that he
would retire from the Department of
Justice, probably at the end Of the
fiscal year. 1t was understood at the
same time that Secretary Moody would
succeed Mr.. Knox at attorney general.
The statement was made. however,
that while the transfer of Secretary
Moody to the Department of Justice
was very probable. it was dependent,
in a measure. on the Presidents sue
cess in securing such a successor for
him in the Navy department as he de-
sired. .
In pursuit of his desire to secure ser
vice of n thoroughly reliable and con-
genial man. President Roosevelt ten
drre1 the appointment of secretary of
the navy to Paul Morton. first vice
president Of the Atchison. Topeka &,
Santa Fee Railroad, Mr.. Morton is a
personal friend of the President of
many years standing. He is n son of
the late J. Sterling Morton of Ne
brasl;a, secretary of agriculture in
President ClevelandS last adminiStra-
ton Mr.. Morton has had experience in
Washington. having been there with
his father. Since President Roosevelt
has been in the White House. he has
made more than enc effort to induce
Mr.. Morton to accept a position i'm his
administration.
Feeling that his life work in the rail-
road business. in which he has been
achieved success, might be impeded by
his acceptance of an official position in
the government, he uniformly has de-
clincd all such proflcrs. In conson-
anCc with this feeling he declined the
proffcr of the portfolio of the navy. He
was requested by tn" President to re-
consider his declination. Last night he
took dinner at the White House and
the whole subject was considered, af-
ter Mr. Morton had consulted with his
personal and business friends and asso-
ference Mr.. Morton told the President
he would accept the position in the
cabinet Then it was that the other
changes. one of which at least, was
contingent upon Mr.. Morton's action,
was decided upon definitely.
1t is expected that further changes
will take place in the cabinet next
winter. Postmaster General Payne
probably will retire from the cabinet
after the campaign. lie will be sue
cecded by National Chairman Corte!-
YOU. Secretary Moody will continue as
a member Of the cabinet only until the
end of the present administration of the
fourth of March next when he will re-
tire to enter upon the practice of law
i'm Boston. Ii is quite likely that other
changes will take place, even If Mr..
Roosevelt should be elected President.
hut no authority exists at this time
upon which to base Z forecast of them.
Attorney General Knox's letter of res
ienation and the Presidents letter ac-
cepting it were dated. yesterday. Copies
of the correspondence were made public,
this evening. They follow:
Office of the Attorney General
Washington ID. C.. June -: 1871.
"Sir:-Having been appointed Ivy the
governor of Pennsylvania II senator to
represent Pennsylvania in the Congress
Of the United States until the next meet
ing of the Legislature of that state. and
having accepted said appointment, to take
effect July 1st. 1904. l hereby tender my
resignation as attorney general OF the
United States. to take effect at the end
of the goth day of the present month
Il cannot by this act terminate the
close and confidential relations ] have
sustained to you during your entire ad-
ministra ton without adding word OF
sincere appreciation of your more than
generous and uniform kindness to me and
a like word of unfeigned respect and adj
miration for the lofty purpose and splen-
did courage you have ever manifested.
which has inspired and sustained your
cabinet in their efforts to promote the
public welfare by effecting the wise pol
icies of your administration.
Continued on page 81