Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1905-03-29

and tragic death claimed their cid
est son. During their residence in
England, when Mr. Hay was the
United States ambassador they took
part in life OF such social distinction
and charm that their taste for the
democratic customs Of this country.
while never avowedly so, has in reality
been considerably blunted. Mrs. Hay,
who is woman of queenly appearance
and who brought fortune to her mar
riage, has with difficulty adapted
herself ty the arbitrary and often dis
agreeable demands of her husbands
position In this country. 1t was she.
in fact, who was the first to retus@ to
allow her house to be invaded by the
hOrdes of curious strangers who every
Wednesday during the winter crowded
the cabinet homes, ate of the refresh
ments provided for them, roam1d
through the rooms, examined the fur
niture and on several occasions car
ried off souvenirs in the shape of brio
abrac or pieces sliced out of the hang
ings. Since the death of her son, the
splendid home of the Secretary in
Washington has been the scene of very
little entertaining, and in fact the
annual cabinet dinner is about the on
ly official function of each season. 1t is
thus evident that MIR. Hay meets with
no opposition in his desire to return
to private life from an ambitious wife
Or family.
The likelihood that Secretary of
War Taft may be promoted to the
place that Secretary Hay will vacate,
Is frequently mentioned. He enjoys the
confidence Of the President to marked
degree, though there are others OF
the Presidents friends who do not be.
lieve him to be his best advisor. Out
side the Presidential circle there is
greater desire, in the event of the
change. that Hon. Elihu Root, late
Secretary of War, should be given the
place. He is eminently fitted for the
office and he is one of the President
nearest friends, but like Senator LODI G
who is also well equipped for the
office, it is doubtful if Mr.. Root could
be induced to accept. AS senator
from Massachusetts Mr.. Lodge would
relinquish life long position of honor
for one which would carry a little
if any more distinction, and the tenure
of which would probably be less than
four years.
Other senators prominently men.
toned for the place are Senators
Spooner of Wisconsin and Foraker OF
Ohio both Of whom are men of ability
and experience in legislation affecting
our foreign policy. The State depart
ment just at this time has under
consideration some very important
questions of concern to the nation as
we'll as to the administration and a
vigorous and capable management oil
the department is required. With all
the good material that the President
has TO select from, it looks as though a
man might be secured who would make
the loss Of Mr. Hay not so fatal as has
beer predicted, and at the same time
give the people the satisfaction OF
having premier who, like the Presi-
dent. ''likes his job"
Horace G. Burt, former president OF
the Union Pacific Railroad, will prob.
ably become the executive head of the
Panama Canal Commission He will
in no way interfere with the work of
Chief Engineer Wallace, who is to
have Unlimited authority in the matter
of the engineer work connected with
the canal. Mr.. Burt though is men,
toned for the head Of the department
which will have charge of the business
and financial departments and as the
former chief of great ralrood, it is
thought that he has the experience and
capacity for the Office. He is ifty-six
years of age and has spent an active
life as surveyor. railroad man and
finally railroad president. 1t is stated
that the President will make an an
nouncement respecting the Canal
Commission, it's composition and flu
ture policy before he leaves for his
southern trip April 8. Whether the
President will determine that he has
the authority to reduce the number OF