Fergus County argus. [volume] (Lewistown, Mont.) 1886-1946, 1904-06-29
CHANGE IN
THE CABINET
President Roosevelt Adds Two New
Names to the List Of His Off
cial Family.
KNOX is SUCCEEDED BY MOODY
Paul Morton Succeeds Moody and
Meteslf, Of California, Takes
Navy Portfolio.

Washington, June PA sweeping
change in the cabinet of President
Roosevelt was announced officially at
the white house today. The an
nouncement came in the form of a
brief typewriter statement issued by
Secretary Loeb. as follows: The
following cabinet appointments are
announced:
William II. Moody, of Massachu-
sets, attorney general.
Paul Morton. of Illinois, secretary
of the navy.
Victor IL. Metcalf, of California,
secretary of commerce and labor.
THE designations OF Secretary Cor
telyou and Attorney General Knox
nave been accepted to take effect July
l."
For two weeks OF more II has been
known that these changes were i'm.
pending. When Secretary Cortelyou
was designated by President Roose,
welt to be his campaign manager 1t
was certain that he would retire from
the cabinet upon his assumption of
duties as chairman OF the Republican
national committee. Just before he
left for Chicago last Wednesday he
placed In the hands of the president
his letter of resignation as secretary
of the department OF commerce and
labor.
II was understood between the
president and him that the resigna.
ton was to be accepted, to take eff
feet at the end Of the present fiscal
year. June 80. inclusive. The taking
effect Of his resignation at that time
would afford him an opportunity to
complete work in the department
which he had initiated and which II
was important he should carry to a
conclusion.
Moody Succeeds Knox.
One week ago today Attorney Gen
eral Knox formally announced that
he would retire from the department
of justice probably at the end of the
fiscal year. II was understood at the
same time that Secretary Moody
would succeed Mr.. Knox as attorney
general. The statement was made
however, that while the transfer OF
Secretary Moody to the department
of justice was probable. it was de.
pendent. In a measure, on the presi.
dents success in securing such a
successor for him in the navy depart,
ment as he desired.
In pursuit OF his purpose to secure
the services of a thoroughly able and
congenial man. President Roosevelt
rendered the appointment to Pau
Morton, vice president of the Atchi
son, Topeka & Santa Fe railway. Mr.
Morton Is a personal friend of the
president OF many years standing. He
is a son of the late j. s. Morton, form
er secretary of agriculture. Morton
has had experience in Washington
having been here with his father.
At First Declined.
Since President Roosevelt has beer
in the white house he has made more
than one effort to induce Mr.. Morton
to accept a position In his admins
%tration. Feeling that his life work
in railroad business In which he had
achieved success. might be impaired
by his acceptance Of an official posi-
tion In the government he uniformly
declined all such proffers. In conse
quence of this feeling. he declined
the proffer OF the portfolio OF the
navy. He vas requested by the pres
ident 10 reconsider his declination
Last night he took dinner at the white
house and the whole subject was con
sidered after Mr.. Morton had consult
ed with his personal and business
friends and associates. At the con
~clusion of the conference Mr.. MortoI
told the president that he would &C
cept the position In the cabinet. Thei
II was that the other changes. one o
which. at least, was contingent upoI
Mr.. Morton's action. yer decided up
on definitely.
Payne viii Retire.
1t is expected that further changes
will take place In the cabinet mex
winter. Postmaster General Payn'
probably will retire from the cabine
after the campaign. He will be sue
ceeded by National Chairman Corte
lyou. Secretary Moody will continu
as a member OF the cabinet only Il
the end Of the present administration
80