The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1907-12-24
MERRILL STAYS II
Third District Representa-
tive Himself Recon-
mends Late Foe
LET DOWN EASILY
Defeated Statesmen Given
Opportunity to Save
Their Faces

Congressman J. r. Knowland
created another independent re-
publican yesterday by the formal
announcement of his failure to
force c. E. Thomas into the
Berkeley postofhce and his sur
render to President Roosevelt
and Benjamin Ide Wheeler.
Knowland telegraphed George
w. Reed, chairman of the county
committee, that he had decided
to recommend the appointment
of Wheeler's candidate and in
cunlbent, c. S. Merrill. When
Thomas heard of Knowland's
surrender he sarcastically cx-
pressed his appreciation of the
Christmas package handed to
him and his satisfaction over the
prospect of entire political free
dom in the future.
AS announced by The Calls Wash
ington dispatches of nearly two weeks
ago, Knowland and Perkins found that
there was nothing but surrender for
them in the matter OF the Berkeley
postofice fight. The president had told
them that Thomas would not do and
they decided TO accept a scheme which
involved the withdrawal of Merrill's
name from the senate, to which it had
been sent without their advice or con-
sent, and the subsequent recommends
tion of Merrilrs appointment by know
land. 1t was the only way TO save the
faces OF Knowland and Perkins Their
acceptance OF the pewter shilling was
no hit with Thomas. who had been as
sured by Knowland and Perkins that
they would fight to the last ditch for
him. His last ditch ideas were COM
pletely dissipated yesterday when he
was acquainted with the contents Of
the following telegram received by
Reed:
Decided to recommend appointment
Of Clarence S. Merrill as postmaster at
Berkeley. Senator's. Perkins and Flint
viii join in recommendation. In recent
conference with president he stated
that under all circumstances he did not
feel he could appoint Thomas, but
would withdraw Merrilrs name, which
he subsequently, did, leaving selection
of candidate other than Thomas TO
delegation. Berkeley being in my dis
trict, responsibility rested on me. In
making decision fully realized that in
recommending Merrill instead of third
man the claim would be made that
had no alternative and that my action
would be construed as surrender. Re-
gardless OF what might be said or
thought, endeavored to take broad
view, considering the efficiency of the
service and believing that as between
Merrill and third man the choice of
majority of people in Berkeley would
be Merrill. Shall cooperate In every
way possible with Merrill for better
ment Of service. j. r. sKNOWLAND.1
Thomas was skepticaI about the do
or die intentions of his erstwhile
friends, Knowland and Perkins. and
broadly intimated that he would sharp
en- his battleax against the return of
the two faint hearted warriors who
permitted themselves to be beaten BY
Wheeler. He said. smiling1y
MY friends will thank Congressman
Knowland and Senator Perkins for this
Christmas package. You know in this
affair I have always been in their
hands. Personally one feels the great
est relief in being absolutely inde-
pendent in any future political ac-
tivity.'
Il am glad that the controversy is
over" said Postmaster Merrill yester-
day, "and that 1 will have the co-opera-
tion of Mr.. knowland in improving the
service in this city. We need more
money and men, and feel sure
of his hearty support to get them. Now
that ] am assured that / am to be the
postmaster for the next four years 7
will adjust myself to the position in
order to give the people the service
that they should have.