The Saint Paul globe., 1904-12-07

Thomas D. O'Brien, whose appoint
ment as state insurance commissioner
to succeed Elmer H. Dearth, the Re
publican incumbent, was announced by
Governor elect John A. Johnson Mon
day, paid his respects to the present
insurance commissioner yesterday at
the state capitol
Mr.. O'Brien spent an hour or more
with Mr.. Dearth, and discussed with
him the duties and responsibilities Of
the Office, which is admitted to be one
of the most important departments of
the state government. When he left
the state capitol he took with him
compilation of the Minnesota insurance
laws, reports of other states and mate
rial to be read in acquainting himself
with the technical duties of his new
office.
81 was not candidate for reappoint-
ment, and it probably would have made
no difference in my future plans had I
been a candidate" Mr.. Dearth said yes
terday. 81 naturally am anxious to see
the department go to capable hands,
and Mr.. O'Brien's ripe legal experience
and his high character as man will
combine to give the office an excellent
administration. He certainly has my
hearty congratulations on his appoint
ment."
The first public appointment, outside
of his own immediate official family in
the governors office, brought the gov
rnor-elect many compliments on his
good judgment yesterday, and scores of
men of prominence in the state ex-
pressed their appreciation of the nam
ing of Mr.. O'Brien to the important
post.
Judge L. w. Collins, of st. Cloud
who was in the capitol yesterday, said:
Judge Collins Praises Appointment
"The governor elect could not have
made a stronger appointment. 1t is a
fine appointment from the standpoint
of the state administration, and the
only surprise that 1 have is that Mr..
O'Brien would consent to take the po-
sition and abandon his splendid legal
practice. He has been for years an
ornament to the Ramsey county bar,
and 1 predict that he will make an ex-
cellent Official
Said County Attorney Thomas R.
Kane: Mr. Johnson could not have
named a more competent man, nor one
who will give wider satisfaction than
Mr.. O'Brien. I know of no man who
will give a better account of himself in
the office"
ct. D. O'Brien is one of the strong
est men in the state, and his appoint
ment will give satisfaction to the state
at large as well as in his own county"
Aid. Bantz said yesterday.
"The appointment of 7. d. O'Brien
as state insurance commissioner puts
the administration of Gov. Johnson on
high plane at it's inception" said
Hugh T. Halbert, president of the
Roosevelt Republican club. In stand
ing, character and ability no man in
st. Paul or the state ranks higher than
Mr.. O'Brien. A good many Repub-
licans will extend their congratulations
to Mr.. johnson as we'll as to Mr..
.OBrien.'
"a good Democrat and a good man,
united in 7. d. O'Brien, have been
recognized in his appointment" said
Col. C. Nee. Reeve, of Minneapolis,
who was a caller at the state capitol
yesterday.
"a most excellent appointment, and
one rejecting credit on both the ap-
pointing power and the appointee," /"
said P E. Hanson, secretary of state,
yesterday, in speaking of the O'Brien
appointment.
Postmaster McGiII Warmly Approves
Postmaster A. R. McGill was highly
pleased at the appointment. He talked
freely when interviewed by G. o b e
reporter and used the most emphatic