The Rathdrum tribune. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1903-1963, 1905-03-31

HIS PROBABLE SUCCESSOR.
The Canal Commission Again.
Its Work.

40 "vaA'
WEEKLY LETTER FROM WASHINGTON.
Of all the men inhigh, and hon
orable positions in the U United
States there issperhaps none who
has held his Office with SO much
reluctance as Mr.. John Hay, Sec
retary Of State. During the Nc
Kinley administration the rulnors
of Mr.. Hays resignation were as
regular as the tides and after every
announcement that he would re-
tire from the Cabinet came the
news that owing to the, persuasion
Of the President, Mr.. Hay had re-
luctantly consented to remain at
the head Of the State department.
The same state of affairs has pre-
vailed since President Roosevelt
has been in the White House.
Again the rumor is current and
this time it is thoroughly believed
that no amount Of persuasion will
induce the Secretary to return to
his Office. Before he left for his
European trip he wished to resign
and in this he was supported by
his family who believe that owing
to his feeble health he should put
aside all official cares. His age
is alleged as reason for his re-
tirement also, but when one con
siders that there are other men. of
81, and more doing capable and
effective work in the Government
service it is evident that this alone
is not sufficient reason for lis re-
tirement. It is a fact moreover
that Mr.. Hay and his family are
tired of official life. Their two
daughters are married to wealthy
New York men and tragic death
claimed their eldest son. During
their residence in England when
Mr.. Hay was the United States
Ambassador they took part in a
life of such social distinction and
charm that their taste for the
Democratic customs of this coun-
try while never avowedly so, has
in reality been considerably blunt
ed. Mrs. Hay who is woman of
queenly appearance and bearing
and who brought fortune to her
marriage has with difficulty adapt
cd herself to the arbitrary and
often disagreeable demands of her
husbands position in this country.
1t was she, in fact who was the
first to refuse to allow her house
to be invaded by the hordes oi
curious strangers who every Wed
nesday during the winter crowded
the Cabinet homes, ate of the re.
freshmcnts provided for them,
roamed through the rooms, exam
ined the furniture and on several
occasions carried off souvenirs ir
the shape Of bric-a-brac or pieces
sliced out Of the hangings. Since
the death of her son the splendic
home of the Secretary in Wash
ington has been the scene of very
little entertaining, and in fact tht
annual Cabinet dinner is about the
only official function of each sen
son. 1t is thus evident that MIR
Hay meets with no opposition II
his desire to return to private lif'
from an ambitious wife or family
The likelihood that Secretary ,
War Taft may be promoted to th
place that Secretary Hay will va
cate is frequently mentioned. II
enjoys the confidence of the Presi
dent to a marked wdegree thougl
there are other OF the President
friends who do not believe him I
be his best adviser. Outside tn
Presidential circle there is create
desire, in the event Of the chang
that Hon. Elihu Root, late Secrd
tary of War should be given til
place. He is eminently fitted ft