Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1905-06-01
SECRETARY OF NAVY WILL BE.
COME PRESIDENT or NEW
YORK SUBWAY.
SALARY $4,000 "A YEAR
Began His Railway Career With the
Burlington, and Later Became Vice
President Of Santa Fe--WiIl Resign
From Cabinet in About Month.

Washington, D. g., MayS1 - Secre-
tary of the Navy Paul Morton whose
intent to resign rom the cabinet was
announced recently will become presi-
dent of the New York Subway system
at salary equal to that of the presi-
dent of the United States He will re-
move to New York City and assume
control of the subway transportation
as soon as President Roosevelt re-
leases him and appoints his successor
Mr.. Morton has considered num-
Der Of flattering offers from railroads,
corporations and commercial enter
prises since the certainty Of his with
drawal from the cabinet became
known. Rumors of his acceptance of
various positions have been circulated
but all proved untrue up to yesterday
when 1t was announced authoritative
ly that he had accepted the presidency
of the subway at salary of $500 a
year, and with a contract for long
term.
Tires Of Public Life.
It has long been understood that
President Roosevelt would permit Mr..
Morton to retire from the head Of the
navy department this summer. He lis
anxious to withdraw from public life
and although the President wishes to
retain his valuable services as long as
possible, he will not permit his per-
sonal preference to stand In Mr. Nor
toms way. He probably will name a
new secretary of the nary before the
end Of June and then M Morton will
be free to enter in his siew work i'm
mediately.
While both Mr.. Mrsten and Presi-
dent Roosevelt have suffered consid-
cradle embarrassment over the sec
retary's former connection with the
Santa Fe railroad which road Is now
the subject of federal inquiry. it has
been denied that this had anything to
do with the retirement. Mr.. Morton
was with tie Santa Fe when the al.
legged rebates to shippers were given,
and the investigation of these has
been the Presidents first big move in
his railway rate fight.
Rise In World Rapid.
Mr.. Morton's rise to commanding
position in the railroad world was phe-
nomenal, and his sudden appointment
as member of President Roosevelt's
cabinet, in spite of his family's tradi-
tional adherence to democratic princi-
pies, was equally surprising. He is
now only 48 years old. the youngest
cabinet off GER that Washington has
seen for many day. He was given
the navy portfolio, without a previous
experience in maritime matters, sim
ply because of his business ability and
executive force.
Mr.Morton began his railroad career
in the land department of the Burling-
ton railroad in Iowa. In 1873 he was
employed in the Burlington's general
freight Office in Plattsmouth, Neb., and
at the age of 21 he was appointed as
sistapt general freight agent of the
Burlington in Chicago, which city was
his home until he accepted the cabinet
appointment, June "a, 1904. In 1886
he became general passenger agent for
the Burlington, and then general
freight agent
In the Coal Business.
He left the railroad business for O.
time in 1890 to become the president
of a coal operating company in Iowa
and Illinois, and vice president of the
Colorado Fuel and Iron company. In
1895 he accepted the vice presidency
of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
railroad at salary of $4,000 a year.
1t was some time before President
Roosevelt could induce him to take a
portfolio.
Mr.. Morton is credited with possess
ing fortune estimated at from 81 ,000.-
600 to $2,000,000. His residence in Chi
cago was at 4512 Drexel boulevard.