The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1905-09-07
MYSTERY BACK OF
SALMON FLAIR
President. Said to Have
Taken a Hand.
RESIGNATION UNEXPLAINED
Authorities Refuse to Discuss Matter
in Any Way-Dr. Melvin to
Take Place.

There is something away down deep
in connection with the administration
of DR.. Daniel E. Salmon as chief Of the
Bureau OF Animal Industry that brought
about his sudden resignation.
What the cause is. or where the
trouble lies. is a matter of conjecture
Neither Dr. Salmon nor the Secretary
Of Agriculture will indicate just why
this sudden change in the personnel or
the department was made.
1t is understood. however, that. not
withstanding that Dr. Salmon was ex-
onerated OF any intended wrongdOing
in connection with his association with
the George E. Howard Publishing Com
pany by the report OF George g. Nc
Cabe, who. by direction of Secretary
Wilson. conducted the recent Inyestiga-
tion into the Bureau of Animal Indus
try. the opinion prevails that there are
some features of the case that have
been kept secret.
1t Is now intimated that President
Roosevelt has taken a hand in the case
This fact was neither denied nor affirm
ed at the department today. Acting Sec
retary Hays dismissing the question by
saying he and the Secretary had agreed
not TO talk OH the question that brought
about DR.. Salmon's resignation.
His Explanation.
In explaining his connection with the
George T. Howard Publishing Company
al the tine the investigation was being
conducted. DIR. Salmon said:
Il never made any secret Of my bust
ness partnership with Mr.. Howard. and
ii was known 10 the business men Of the
town and to the commercial agencies.
and anyone who desired could at any
time have easily learned who composed
the firm OF George +. Howard & Go
Il did not however. allow my narie
10 BE proclaimed as a member of the
firm IN such way that il could be said
that ! was using my official position
to obtain business for the firm. because
that was point upon which ] was SEN
stand upon its own merits.
In this as in all other matters with
which | have been connected since /
have been in this Department. my frs;
allegiance has teen In the Bureau Of
Animal Industry. ana my first thought
at al times has been to DO what was
best for the bureau work and - pro-
tect its interests and reputation.
Famous Veterinarian.
Dr. Salmon has an !nte-na licnaI repu-
tation as "A veterinary surgeon. and has
been dean OF the. veterinary department.
Of the George Washington. University
TOR a considerable period
DR.. Alonzo Davis Melvin. who. il Il;
said will succeed DR. Salmon as chief
OF the bureau. as was exclusively an
nounced IN The Times OF yesterday has
been connected with the Bureau of Ami
mai Industry since December u. 1886 on
July 22 1895. Dr. Melvin was appointe e,;
chief OF the inspection division and on
january l. 1893, as assistant chief of thv
bureau.
Dr. Melvin was born at Mt. Sterling.
Ill October -. 1852. lie attended m.
public schools Of his native town. ana
afterward took course in the Chicact,
Veterinary College Chicago. III. from
which he graduated In 1885. and was al
most Immediately appointed as an in
spector under Dr. Salmon.
He has had much experience fp the
bureaus affairs. and Ia 1879 was senr
10 England TO inspect the conditions of
cattle and cattle carrying vessels from
the United states
Subsequently he was in charge OF the
meat inspection IT Chicago. nm hfir
since July l. 1888. ha~ beer connected
with the office of the chief OF fhs
bureau.
Whether DR.. Melvin will get the pe~-
manent rent q" not win MOI Ia.
announced until after Secrer9r,- WI
sons return from his Western trim