The Washington times., 1907-12-17
New Secretary
Of the Treasury
RHmOT Is Denied

Rumors that there may be a change
In the Cabinet, which would bring IN a
new Secretary of the Treasury, are de-
MED on the best Of authority. There
will be no change unless It is precip-
itated by the resignation Of Secretary
CortelyoU, or by some political devel-
opments not now anticipated.
one reason why there will be no
change IS that to place a new man in
this post would be liable to complicate
financial uncertainties at a time when
sired.
Secretary Cortelyou has been subiact-
cd 10 bitter criticism because of meas
,ures that in fact had the approval OF
ms cnleI; ana II he should retire there
would be euort TO conStrue IL as ay-i-
dence that his financial policies were
disapprOved- This would lead to eerIous
unt ertainty about the future. In short
rs matters stand today a change at the
mead OF the Treasury would be. in the
ADMINISTRATORS mind. most unfortu-
nate.
Meyer As Successor.
There is robust rlmor. however. tha.
under different conditions a change
might be made, as a result Of sorne Ia ta
political developments. In this connec-
ton, too Postmaster General Meyer is
likely to succeed to the place of fnan-
cial premiership.
Mr. Meyer has made a great hit with
the President by his vigorous and ef-
iectlVe work since he has been at the
head OF the Postoffice DeDartnnent and
ne IS regarded as slated for promotion
whenever opportunity presents. He is
said to be especially fitted by expert
folio. E0' -
There is no longer uncertainty about
the significance Of political develop-
ments following the meeting Of the Pc
guoIican national committee and the
nnal withdrawal Of the President from
PRESIDENTIAL consideration The power
OF Secretary Cortelyou, through his con
trol OF the patronage OF the two most
Potent departments OF the Cove aent.
has been completely Topped or
At the pOstoffice he was rem -<--. ed
by First Assistant Frank Hilcrc0ck.
while at the Treasury able assistants
were looking after his organization.
All this has been changed. TheSa two
departments are to be put out ~ poli-
tics from this time forth; or. a. thew
are in politics. It will be with the Dur-
pose OF helping the Taft movement
rather than the Cortelyou boom.
Hitchcock Out of It.
Mr.. Hitchcock will not handle political
patronage for the Postofice Department
any longer. Postmaster General Meyer.
who. by the way, is himself no novice
in the political game. will deal with
political pOstOffices and will handle them
with reference to the wishes and plans
Of the President. The Taft people are
immensely pleased AT this arrangement
Friends OF Mr.. Hitchcock insist that
he was never guilty OF duplicity in his
conduct of Southern politics. They be-
lieve he did just what he thought the
Administration wished him 70 do Ger
tain 1t is that he learned when too late
that the Administration was not pleased
with his course.
He had meanwhile effected a splendid
organization Of the place-seeking South
crn Republicans, and this organization
the Taft people would greatly like to
annex intact to their movement II
they could do so, they figure that they
would have just about won the fight.
II somebody else grabs 81. Taft Will
have to devote his efforts to smashing
II and getting some OF the pieces. The
man who gets the benefit OF the fine
piece OF political organization work
which Mr.. Hitchcock did in the South
viii thereby take a long step toward
she nomination.