The Washington times., 1906-01-22
SMITH Won SPURS
SOLELY IN ISLES
New Philippines Governor
Little Known Here.
TAFT FIRST DETECTED HIM
Had Already Won Distinction of Local
Character in Native State
Of California.
TAFT FIRST DETECTED HIM

nor general or the 1nlupptheS. Will oS
ambassador 10 Japan, and that Mr.
Smith will in a few months become gov
ernor general of the Philippines.
General Smith. who is a Pacific coast
man. has been seldom in the East and
is little known personally at the National
Capital He has made notable career
for himself. and the belief is expressed
I'm Administration circles that he will
make d most efficient executive FOR the
American possessions across the Pacific.
Compliment to Ide.
Although Henry c. Ide will become
Governor Wrights immediate successor
in the Philippines, he Will fill the office
only temporarily. The honor was be-
slowed upon him by the President as a
recognition Of his services in those isl
ands under Governor Wright.
Mr. Smith. who viii succeed TO the
important office June 1 next. is a ma
tive Of California and long go achieved
prominence in that State. His present
position was attained through his mill
tary career. beginning in the Spanish
American war. when he saw service in
the Philippines
When the First Regiment Of Califor-
MA volunteer infantry was organized in
California i'm May 1895. Mr.. Smith was
commissioned colonel During the sum
Hsr. the regiment was sent TO the scene
of hOstHues across the Pacific. and
there experienced considerable service
during the six months following. Early
in 1899. Colonel Smith was made mill
tary governor OF the island of Negros.
and in October of the following oar
was appointed collector Of customs f,-
IL .--
Manila.
In April. 1899. while governor of Ne
gros, he was promoted 10 the grade Of
brigadier general of volunteers. In June
1901. he resigned as brigadier general and
collector of customs 20 accept the ap-
pointment as associate justice of the su-
preme court of the Philippine Islands
January ]. 1903. he was appointed a mem
Der of the Philippine Commission. as a
member Of which he is secretary of pub
lie instruction.
Caught Taft's Eye.
During his career in the Philippines.
when Secretary of War Taft was COVER
nor general of the islands. General
Smith attracted the attention Of Mr.
Taft. who is confident that he will make
a most efficient officer.
Henry c. Ide. also a member Of the
commission and assistant governor. gen
eral Of the islands. who has been act
ing governor general since Governor
Wrght's departure early TN December
also has had an interesting career. For
many years before going 10 the Philip
pines, he was a prominent figure IN Yer
mont. He was one Of the American
commissioners 10 Samoa and was chief
justice of the islands He has been
Philippine commissioner for six years,
and some time ago expressed his desire
10 retire and return 10 his old home in
Vermont
When it was learned that Governor
Wright was determined to retire. Mr.
Ide consented TO remain a while longer
but recently ne sent in his resignation.
asking that il take effect June !. Both
the President and Secretary felt that
his service merited the honor Of having,
for a time al least. held the actual rank
Of governor general of the Philippines,
Sale of Philippines.
That Governor Wright has been ap-
pointed ambassador to Japan in lieu
OF the possibility Of the Japanese gov
ernment opening up negotiations with
This government for the purchase or
requirement of the Philippines. now
IS apparent according TO iutimations
made IN A Iministration circles. Gov
crnor Wright, owing to his long service
In the Phil opiues, possibly understands
the Philippine situation better than any
other American, or at least any other
person ava. able for the Tokyo post, and
IL now appears that the selection OF the
former Philippines governor 10 be Amer
lca's first ambassador TO the new Japan.
vas made after careful consideration
on the part or President Roosevelt and
Secretary Root.
II Japan really desires the islands
Governor Wright viii be at the door OF
the japanese foreign office to keep in
close touch with the situation and 10
Keep the Washington Government post
ed, lie VIII be convenient Tor confer
ences with the MikadO and his minis
Jers, and, IL favorable terms are pra-
posed. by which this Government NAV
feel that II an well let go of the Islands
The new ambassador viii be in a posi-
tlon promptly 10 close up the deal af-
ter Congress has taken action.
Leishman Had Chance.
The President. it was understood, had
practically determined to promote Mr..
Leishman, minister 10 Turkey. to the
new Enthusiastically but il was decided
10 withhold the announcement till Japan
named her ambassador to this country.
In the meantime. Governor Wright re-
turned from the Philippines. partly ON
business, but mostly for a visit 10 his
home Ia Memphis, and expressed his de-
sire TO the President that he be allow
ed 10 retire from the Philippines and re-
turn To Tennessee, where he wished 10
resume his law practice. After some
hesitation, it develops now, his resigna-
ton was accepted, but then the idea of
scnding the governor 10 Japan struck
the President and Secretary Root. ana
the announcement of the resignation
was withheld IN the ambassRdoriaI an
pOintment Tcs determined upon
All the other sip umatic appoiutments
hau been made, sid the Stale DEPART
ment awaited the consent of Governor
Wright t. take the place The diDio-
matte post ct &c -yo at present pays
but $1,000 a VC- as a legation, but
Secretary ROOt asi.ed Congress to
raise IL to ar e.. ass and provide for
an increased salary I'm accordance. TO be
$1,000 Governor Wrights salary as
governor of the Philippines was $4,000
a year, and as he was anxious to re-
turn to his former law practice, the
money that comes with his new appoint
ment shows a loss of at least So 500
r4ar-h Fgas-rs. .H..v-