Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-26

CeSSOr.
Secretary John Hay is down and out-so
far his official career is concerned His
Enthusiastically and socially-and their
names are legion-will pray that God will
ing, his separation will be only from the
official life and no more.
There is official authority for the state
ment that Secretary Hay will be seen no
more in governmental walks of life. When
he left these shores few days ago many
of his friends feared that his tenure of
office had closed. These fears have been
verified. 1t was learned yesterday that be-
fore he went away Secretary Hay confded
TO a few of those who were closest to him
the fact that he did not expect to resume
his official duties when he returned The
breakdown which he experienced on the
day of his departure and which was chron-
icled in The Star at that time is recalled.
His Distinguished Career
Secretary Hay has been a conspicuous
figure in official life in this country for
many years. Without appearing to give
mortuary description of his career, for his
: many admirers still hope that it will be a
long time before such an unwelcome task is
necessary, it is recalled that he has filled &
very conspicuous part in American history
for many years After going through the
ordinary collegiate life of young Ameri-
can gentleman he entered upon a political
course in 1861. He came to Washington
assistant secretary to President Lincoln,
,t,.f., H.
Secretary Hay will live in history as a
great diplomat. He received that training
result of long course of study. begin
ming secretary of legation to France in
1866. He was successfully secretary of le-
cation to Austria Hungary, secretary of le-
cation to Spain and assistant secretary of
state President Mckinley appointed him
Secretary of State in 1925
All the world knows of his services to his
country in this position. He has been re-
garded as the foremost diplomat in the
western world of this decade. He has been
President Roosevelt's right bower and ad-
wiser In the many delicate international
questions that have arisen in the past few
years
When he started abroad few days ago
1t was rumored that his health was not
good, and It was feared that he might not
Since his departure these fears have been
confirmed, and 1t is now stated upon def
mite authority that he will not again asso-
ciate himself with the arduous duties OF
the foreign relations of the American gov
ernment
For the next few months there will be
no action in the direction of selecting his
successor. He is still the Secretary of State
of the United States, far official des-
ignation is concerned. 1t is only a ques-
ton, however, OF little time when his sue
cessor will have to be chosen.
His Possible Successor.
Several names are mentioned in this con-
nection Mr.. WhiteIaw Reid heads the list
of those who are named The present am
bassador TO Great Britain stands very high
with the administration. An American to
the ground a man of culture experience,
and with undoubted political backing, he
stands in the forefront of those who may
be considered as Mr.. Hays possible sue
cessor
Senator Lodge of Massachusetts, of
course is accounted among those who
might be considered. He is the Presidents
closest friend in the Senate. II has been
suggested that in view of the friction be-
tween the administration and the Senate it
might De ueSlfaDle 10 nave d senator IN
the cabinet. But Senator Lodges friends
in the Senate have insisted that he could be
Just as good a friend to the administration
on the floor of the Senate as he could be as
representing the Senate in the cabinet.
Senator Spooner has been mentioned in
this connection. However, those who have
followed the events of the last two or three
months I'm the Senate are aware Of the fact
that Senator Spooner has not been what
might be called close friend of the adj
ministratiOn.
In the case of the Santo Domingo treaty
Senator SpOoner was not considered out
and-out supporter of the administration. In
point of fact. il is said, he was something
of a recalcitrant. There is no question that
Senator SpOoners caviling at the treaty
encouraged democratic opposition. 1t Is not
believed that the President would regard
Senator Spooner as a successor of Secretary
Hay.
Secretary Taft of the War Department is
now filling the diplomatic duties of the gov
ernment II Is well known of course, that
IL is Secretary Taft's ambition to enter the
Supreme Court, and 1t is topic of current
gossip that he will succeed Chief Justice
Fuller. when the latter retires. The poll
ticians think that Secretary Taft will be
promoted to the State Department If Sec
retary Hay retires