Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-04-01

NORRIS.
ter General Cortelyou and now needing
only the confirmation of the Senate to be
postmaster of Washington. has been q
resident of the capital almost continuously
for eighteen years. In that time he has
held positions OF varying responsibility un-
der the government, at first in the Post
Oniee Department and later at the White
House. He took up the study Of law dur
ing his departmental career. graduated
from Georgetown University. and on one
or two occasions adventured into private
business life. each time, however, return
ing to work again to that which first
brought him to Washington.
Mr. Barnes Is a native of New Jersey.
having been born in Vineland thirty-seven
years ago. When a young man of nineteen
he took part in competitive examination
In his district with the result that he was
awarded clerkship In the Post Office De-
partment, and of his life In officiaidom
about seven years were spent in the Post
Office Department From 1887 until 1891
he served In turn as private secretary to
the first and fourth assistant postmasters
general and to the chief post Office inspec-
tor. Mr. Barnes left the department in
1881 and during the presidential campaign
OF ls91-9 he acted as secretary to James
s. GARRISON then chairman Of the republi-
can executive committee.
Soon after President Mckinley assumed
tunity was offered Mr.. Barnes to enter the
White House staff. and in January, 1898, or
Just before the opening of the Spanish
American war, he became a stenograph
In the office of the chief executive. Six
months later he was promoted to be execl-
tive clerk, and May /, 1900, ne was ap-
pointed as assistant secretary to the
President. Mr.. Barnes was reappointed to
that post by President Roosevelt April 1,
1902 and he has held it steadily ever since
He said last night that he had received no
lntimation as to who would probably she
his successor.
1t was just before the end Of the official
day yesterday that Mr. Barnes was ap-
prised by the President of his selection to
succeed Postmaster Merritt, and at the
same time the announcement to the press
was authorized When seen at his home,
As r street northeast, last night. Mr..
Barnes said that he thought his nomina-
ton would be sent to the Senate on Mon
day. AS assistant secretary to the Presi-
dent Mr.. Barnes received 5000 per an
mum, The salary of the postmaster of
Washington Is $1,000
Some Opinions.
Expression of disapprovaI and regret
could be heard In every group around the
city last night when news of the Rarnes
appointment began to circulate The dis
approval took two grounds, first that the
postmastership was local office and
shoulo De hlied by local man. and second
~, mat the notoriety attained by Mr.
barnes IN the Morris case made the an
pointment an affront on the people OF tha
Dlstrlct. Many prominent citizens. while
expressing their Views vigorously vera
loath TO be quoted, especially on the latter
phase.
The Official View.
Here are few opinions:
Commissioner Maefarand "I am very
glad to hear of the appointment of Mr..
Barnes He 10 sure to make a successful
postmaster. I am glad that a Washing
tonian was chosen for this place am
sure he VIII make a great success of his
office" ' -
The Unofficial View.
Mr.. James F. Oyster: / do not know
him. and | have never known that he has
been prominently identified with local af-
fairs L am in favor of home appointments
for local offices. We have as good men
here for those places as are to be found
in the country
Mr. E. Southland Parker. when told of
Mr.. Barnes appointment. said. II am very
much surprised and disappointed Mr.
Barnes Is absolutely unknown to Washing
ton men, and It does seem as though oc-
casionally 1t might be possible to have ap-
pointed some local people, and especially
SO as postmaster ! had hoped that In
this case a Washington man would be se-
lected. and am indeed greatly disappointed
Mr.. William F. GUIDE expressed great sur
prise at the appointments. "A local position
like that of postmaster should certainly
have been given to local man. There
are plenty of qualified business men OF
Washington who would be proud to act in
such position. The fact Is / don't like the
appointment a little bit Who Is Mr..
barnes, and what kind Of position has
he had at the White House to qualify him
for the position? No. man of local repu-
tation should certainly have received the
appointment"
Surprising appointment
ut Is a surprising appointment / must
confess said Frederick L. Siddons of the
firm Of Ralston & Siddons last night when
he was told of the selection of the Presi-
dents assistant secretary to be postmaster
of Washington. 'Mr. Barnes Is not a
Washingtonian, Is he? We have been
getting less and less consideration in this
regard" he declared, land this was never
more true than at the present time When
survey Is taken Of the distinctiyely city
offices In Washington it is little short OF
overwhelming to note the percentage of in
cumbents who have been brought in fron,
other jurisdictions. We are never con-
suited when an appointment to a local office
is contemplated. There is not another
municipality In the country which for q
moment would tolerate such q condition. or
affairs" "
Mr.. Walter d. Davidge-'swe prefer a
local man for such position While in M
manner rejecting upon Mr.. Barnes capa-
bilities and integrity, ! actually believe that
men Identified with the growth OF WASH
fngton have a right to be honored with such
office as the postmastership of the District
Mr.. S. W. Woedward-"The news OF the
appointment comes a great surprise We
homes a Washington ma Ia