The Washington times., 1904-06-24

VI
Secretary of Commerce and Labor
Victor H. Metcalf, of California.
These Cabinet appointments were an
nounced at the White House this morn
ing at 10 o'clock The designations OF
Attorney General Knox and Secretary
Corteiyou have been accepted, TO take
effect July l.
Coming close on the heels Of his
nomination particular interest is mani
tested in the choice of the new MEM
bers for President Roosevelt's Cabinet.
A Sweeping Change
/ Seldom has more sweeping change
/ in a Cabinet been made at one time,
and it is realized that in Mr. Roose-
! velts choice Of advisers on the eve of
| the campaign the country may obtain
a fair idea Of the character of the next
Administration should the present oc-
CUpant of the White House be retained.
/ Undoubted surprise is expressed in
many quarters over the appointment OF
Mr. Morton to the navy. as he has a
long record for service with the Demo
cratic party. His conversion to Repub-
hcan policies occurred only six weeks
ago.
Son of a Democrat.
Mr.. Morton is the son Of the late ].
Sterling Morton. of Nebraska, who was
Secretary of Agriculture under Presi-
dent Cleveland's second Administration.
He was born in Detroit, May p. 1851.
His activities have been in the line Of
railroad enterprises At present he holds
the position Of second vice president of
the Atchison. Topeka and sante Fe sys-
TEN. His railroad career began with
the Chicago. Burlington and Quincy in
1872, as clerk in the land Office OF that
company.
BY merit alone he advanced steadily
until he became assistant general freight
agent and later general passenger agent
of the Burlington system. He resigned
that position TO accept the third vice
presidency OF the Samte Fe later being
promo ed TO the second vice presidency.
He is also vice president of the Colo
rado Fuel and Iron Company, and presi-
dent Of the Whitebreast Fuel Company.
Thorough Business Man.
Mr.. Morton has never taken an active
part in practical politics. all his ener-
gies being devoted to his business in
which his superb administrative quail
ties had won for him early recognition.
The President first became well ac-
| quainted with Mr. Morton two years
ago when the Presidential train Travelled
over part Of the Santa Fe system. 1t is
believed that the business interests OF
/ the country will receive the news OF Mr..
! Morton's appointment to the Cabinet
with peculiar interest. and the political
| advantages in the present campaign Of
this substantial recognition by the Presi-
dent of the Gold Democrats are OBJ
viOus.
Mr.. Morton dined last night at the
White House. and had a long confer
ence with the President. He departed
for Chicago on a midnight train. Mr.
Morton hesitated about accepting the
Navy portfolio on account of his lack
Of special knowledge OF naval affairs.
but the President finally persuaded him
that this was not necessary.
The President urged his acceptance,
particularly because Of his desire to
have as one of his ministers repre-
sentative Of the business interests Of
the country.
Served in Congress.
The appointment Of Representative
Metcalf TO be Secretary Of Commerce
and Labor was determined up on by the
President shortly after il became certain
that Secretary Cortelyou would accept
the Craftsmanship Of the Republican Ma
tional Committee
Mr.. Metcalf has served In the last
three Congresses, and as member of
! the Ways and Means Committee has
taken prominent part I'm that body.
He was born In Utica, n. Y, in 1853
He Is graduate OF Utica Free ACad-
emy, Russell's Military Academy, and
Yale Law School. He studied law IN
the Office OF Senator Francis Herman
and also in the office Of Horatio Sey-
mour.
He was admitted TO practice in the
supreme court OF Connecticut. In 1876
practiced law in Utica for two years
and then moved to Oakland, Cal, where
he formed a law partnership with George
-. Motcaf
= He was a member OF the Mccall spe-
Cial committee. which, during the clos
ing days OF the recent session, inyesti-
y gated the relations Of members OF Con-
Moody's Appointment.
The appointment OF William H. Moody
| as Attorney General, 20 succeed Mr.
! Knox. has been anticipated for so long
time that the official announcement
i occasions TO surpriee. Mr. Moody is not
/ expected to serve as Attorney General
later tran March 4. At that time he
viii carry out his original intention OF
/ returning TO his law practice I'm Boston.
| No consideration has yet been given TO
1 his successor.
Secretary Moody became a member OF
! the Presidents Cabinet May J. 1902. AS
/ the President pays particular attention
/ 20 all matters pertaining 10 the navy his
| desire 10 still keep Mr. Moody In the
! Cabinet may be taken as an indicatio
of his Endorsement OF Mr.. Moody's
| policy.
Great stress is also laid on Mr.. Nor
1 tons appointment In this connection.
/ The President IS known 90 be particu-
/ larry desirous of having the naval port
! folio in the hands OF an able man.