Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1905-05-02
CANAL ZONE BOSS.
Something About Governor chas. Z.
Masoon.

Masoon.
Judge Charles e. Magoon, now an
isthmian canal commissioner, Will quit
washington next month to become al
SO governor Of the canal zone. He
came here in March. 1899, as law Of
ficer In the bureau Of insular AFFAIRS,
supposing, as did the president and
secretary Of war, that after year and
a half Of office holding he would re-
turn to his law practice in Nebraska
and to private life. But the duties OF
the place proved more important than
anyone then dreamed. Questions far
reaching developed, and Judge Ma
COON became almost as indispensable
as any man can be in the investiga-
ton and consideration Of legal mat
ters affecting the organization Of gov
ernment in Cuba, Porto Rico, and the
Philippines. Secretary Root once
said something to the effect that the
Judge had been the law and constitu-
tion and digest Of the Oriental archi-
pelago.
When he steps ashore at Panama,
about May 9, next, end takes the OFF,
cial oath as governor, Judge Magoon
will be holding one Of the three or
four most important positions In the
construction Of the canal.
He has been on the isthmus hereto
fore, with an opportunity to observe
conditions and mingle with the resi-
dents. For some time he was general
counsel of the commission spending
two months last summer OF the canal
strip. Although a man Of massive
physique, tall and well proportioned,
and such as might fear the discom-
forts incident to tropical residence,
Judge Magoon looks forward to the
hot climate Of the isthmus as a minor
affliction.
II have no more fear of yellow fever
or malarial fever or plague as a res
ident on the isthmus," said he the
other day, than I have Of typhoid or
pneumonia or grip here. Such dis
eases are no more to be dreaded on
the isthmus than the diseases that
prevail here"
His training for his new Office mas
been almost ideal, apart from his
temperament and abilities, which ad-
mirably suit the big task In hand.
His work in the insular bureau has
given him familiarity with the Span
ish laws, customs, sentiments, preju-
dices and other matters which enter
the social structure. 1t has been OF
the broadest character. covering the
investigation of almost every kind of
legal questions and problems affecting
administration. In his official associ-
ations Judge Magoon has been espec-
tally fortunate. for he has come In
close contact with Secretary Root and
Secretary Taft, botfTgreat lawyers and
men Of unusual administrative ability.
Few general principles Of govern
ment will arise in the canal zone
which can be new to him. He has be-
come familiar; with questions involv-
ing the relations of the Washington
government to territory outside the
States, with the powers and authority
Of the president over such territory,
with the power Of the military, Of civ
II agencies, the contractual relations
Of the inhabitants Of such territory
and with scores of other topics that
will come up from time to time on the
isthmus.
The Judge has been worker all his
natural life and will not be appalled,
by his exhaustive duties on the 18TH
mus. He began to practice as soon as
he began to study law in Nebraska.
Law firms out there put young stu
dents to work without delay. The Sec
ond day after he had begun the study
member Of the firm entered the
ROOM
$50, you're going to be a lawyer,
are you?" he inquired Of young Ma
COON.
81 am going to try to be one," was
the modest reply.
well, he Is a fisherman who catch
es fish, and he Is a lawyer who tries
law suits. Just 60 over to Jim Ir-
wins and practice on that case"
"Jim" Irwin was a local magistrate,
before whom a little case was pend
ing. Magoon did as he was directed.
He tried the case and lost inglorious-
ly. That was contrary to all tradi-
tions for young men who are to sue
ceed in after life 1t did not seem to
trouble Magoon much. however. He
kept on studying law. He was admit
ted to the bar and associated himself
with law partners who had a large
and varied business that gave him
good general experience.
Judge Magoon's title was bestowed
by George D. Meiklejohn Of Nebraska,
while assistant secretary Of war. He
had been Judge advocate general of
the Nebraska National Guard, and In
that capacity had earned two or three
titles. That Of Judge" was legfti-
mately his, but 1t had never before oc-
Cured to him to use It, When he
reached the war department to enter
upon his duties Mr.. Meiklejohn In
troduced him all around as Judge"
Magoon.
why, in heavens name, George,
said Magoon when the two were back
again in the assistant secretary's Of
flee, did you introduce me as
'judge?'"
Because" replied Meiklepjohn with
startling frankness, lone might as
we'll be In hades with broken back as
in Washington without a title"
Judge Magoon came to Washington
very Unexpectedly. A little service
hat he volunteered for Assistant Sec
retary Meiklejohn during a visit on
private business brought him favora-
BILE attention, and the office he has
been holding was created for him.
The necessity for 1t was apparent Its
duties, Of course, have become consid-
erably less important, as the govern
me1ts in the insular possessions have
taken on a more stable form.-Wash-
ington Post.
uIs Real CAUSE OF WORRY.-The