Williams news., 1905-01-28
Volume B
GOV. BRODIE'S
 BETTER JOB

ate the nomination of Alexander O. Brodie of Arizona to be assistant chief of the records and pension office, with rank of major. Mir. Brodie is now governor of Arizona. His term as governor does not ex- pire until July 1, 1906.
 There is an interesting story be- hind the nomination of Governor Brodie to be assistant chief of the record and pension office. Major Edward s. Fowler was appointed to that office last August, and his nomination has been before the sen- ate several weeks without final action. It had been the intention of the president to appoint Cover nor Brodie to the office next May, when it would become vacant by the promotion of the incumbent to the grade of lieutenant colonel by the retirement of Lieutenant Col onel Tweeddale, of the military secretary's department. That plan was abandoned, however, because of a provision in the army appro- priation bill now before the house to the effect that the office of assis- tant chief of the record and pension office shall be abolished with the next vacancy. In order, therefore, to provide for Governor Brodie in that office, it became necessary for the president to withdraw the name of Major Fowler and substitute that of 1Ir Brodie.
 The latter is personal friend of the president and served with hihs in the Rough Rider regiment during the Spanish war. He is now governor of the territory of Arizona. Although still uncon- frmed, Major Fowler has acted as assistant chief of the record and pension office since August, 1904.
 The first word of the nomination of Governor Brodie came in a brief Associated Press dispatch yester- day afternoon. The governor said last night that he was very much surprised, especially that tany action should have been taken at this time. It is said by a friend close to the governor that he had made no application for this or any other position. It was also said that the president had expressed his desire to give the governor better position than the chief executiveship of this territory.
 It will be remembered that the Republican announced early last fall that soon after the first of the year Governor Brodie would be given better billet than that he now occupies. That information was more or less authoritative though the nature of the honor to be selected for him was not known. His name some time after that was connected with the office of commis- sioner of pensions, the Mexican embassy, an army paymaster gen. eralship and an important consu- late.
 The announcement of his nom- ination yesterday revives coniec- ture regarding his successor. It was stated two weeks ago by a man who is supposed to be on the inside that the governorship was within the reach of Judge Kent, and that in the event he did not want the place Secretary Nichols would be the first considered. Rumor made Hon. B. A. Fowler likely choice, and among other Arizonans who it was thought might succeed to the place were Colonel J. H. McClin- tock and Editor Leonard of the Clifton Copper Era. But whoever may be his successor, his idenity will be quickly disclosed.-Repub- lican.
 The legislature of New Mexico, now in session at Santa Fe, by a