Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-02-07
Reynolds to Probably Succeed
Armstrong.
ANOTHER VACANCY
TREASURER ROBERTS EXPECTED
TO RETIRE SOON.
Assistant Secretary Keep May BE
Given His Place-No Clemency
Likely for Shaffer.

James B. Reynolds, secretary of the re-
publican state committee of Massachusetts,
will probably be assistant secretary of the
treasury to succeed Robert B. Armstrong,
who goes out of Office March 4. Although
the President has not definitely decided
upon this nomination, he has gone far
enough, 1t Is believed, to insure the place TO
Mr.. Reynolds If the finance committee or
the Senate interposes no objections. Two
members of the finance committee-Sena-
tors Allison and Plat of Connecticut-talk-
ed with the President today. but would not
give any intimation of their intentions
Senator Allison, in the absence of Senator
Aldrich Is the acting chairman of the COM
mittee. AS has been stated, there was
strong objection on the part of the finance
committee of the Senate a year ago to the
nomination of Mr.. Armstrong as assistant
secretary, the committee holding that the
position was one that should go only to a
man Of experience and knowledge In GUS
toms affairs. The committee finally agreed
to report the nomination favorably because
Secretary Shaw had pressed for the selec-
ton and was responsible for whatever er-
rOrs might have been committed. In the
case of Mr.. Reynolds. Secretary Shaw
makes no objection, saying that If he can
satisfy the committee that he has the
proper qualifications 1t will be all right
Burton Parker Presented.
Senator Burrows today presented to the
President Burton Parker, chief of the
special agents of the customs depart
ment of the treasury. Mr.. Parker is put
forward by the Michigan delegation and
favorably regarded by Secretary Shaw,
as the best equipped man in the country
to take up the special work that falls
upon an assistant secretary having charge
of customs work. The President did not
furnish much hope to his callers, but the
Michigan people will continue to work
for their candidate until decision is
reached.
Mr. Reynolds is a man of ripe expert
ence in general affairs, and his executive
qualifications have been shown on num-
Der of occasions. 1t is pointed out that
he has a grasp of governmental subjects
that would quickly enable him to take
up the work that would be placed upon
him.
Another Treasury Vacancy.
There is gossip that another assistant
secretaryship in the treasury may be
open in short time This gossip init
mates that Treasurer Ellis H. Roberts
may retire and that Charles H. Keep, at
present assistant secretary, will be made
United States treasurer in place of Mr..
Roberts. Mr.. Keep is an expert in finan-
cial matters and has shown himself ably
fitted for work of that kind since his
connection with the treasury. Mr.. Rob-
ertS has been United States treasurer for
nearly eight years. He was appointed at
the instigation of Senator Plat of New
York, and has remained under the care
of Mr.. Platt ever since There have been
no charges affecting the efficiency of his
work, and, except upon the ground of
eight years beng sufficient term for a
treasurer there is nothing upon which to
base desire for a change There does
not seem to be anything definite in the
talk, though, and Mr.. Roberts may not
be disturbed in his place.
Mr.. Wilson Going to Europe.
Henry L. Wilson, the United States min
lister to Chile, called on the President. Mr.
Wilson has been away from his post for
several months, and will not return there
In the shifting and changes of the diplo-
matte service beginning March 4, or soon
thereafter, Mr.. Wilson will be sent to som
post in Europe. and his place will go to
some other man. The exact position lie will
be given has not been agreed upon, but it is
stated it will be an important one. NJ
Wilsonu is brother of ex-senator John l..
Wilson of. Washington, and has a good rec
ord in the diplomatic service.
s. S. Knabenshue, the Toledo. Ohio edi-
tor who was recently appointed as United
States consul at Belfast, was introduced to
the President by Senator Foraker and ReH-
resentative Southland. He was accomp2 me-
by his son, Paul knabenshue, who will be-
come the deputy consul. The new consul
will leave for his post in a short time.
Representative Marshall of North Dakota,
talked to the President about signing the
bill that has passed Congress extending the
time for settlers on the Devils Lake and
Rosebud Indian reservations to go upon the
land until May l. This is the last day for
the bill to be signed.
Representative Scott of Kansas intro
duced c. NJ. Sharbel. who has been elected
from the fifteenth Missouri district to the
seat now held by Representative Benton
Robert Mckee, son-in-law of the late
President Harrison, was White House
caller today.
Case of Shaffer.
Attorney General Moody now has before
him the case of Augustus l.. Shaffer. the
convicted wife murderer, who is under SEN
tence to be hanged Friday next 1t is not
thought likely that Shaffer will be given
the clemency he prays for, and the SEN
tence will be executed at the date fixed.
The President has decided to give a per-
Sonal hearing this afternoon to Henry E.
Davis. the attorney for Shaffer. something
unusual with the President in such cases.
IHiS Will pToUaDiy MAKE IL unnecessary LOT
the Attorney General to make formal re-
port to the President as he will be ia
miliar enough with the facts to pass upon
the case without recommendation.
Sam Groff's Application for Pardon.
The President has forwarded to the At
torney General the long application for the
pardon of Samuel A. Croft, filed with him
yesterday The petition will proceed
through the usual channels at the Depart
ment of Justice and go back to the Presi-
dent for formal disposition in a short time.
1t is pretty well understood that the petit
ton will not be granted, but that is merely
a matter of surmise The President has
given no encouragement to the friends of
the GroffS.