New-York tribune., 1907-12-05
MR.. STRANAHAN QUITS
E. S. FOWLER SUCCESSOR.
appraiser Named NezC York Col
iectOr-Change Due to Illness.
IFrom TIE T,rlbnna Burean-

[From The Tribune Bureau
Washington, Dec. New Workers at rthe
Capitol surprised to-day learn that
Nevada y. Stranahan, Collector Of the Port at
New York. had rendered his resignation and
that Edward S Fowler. who for eighteen. .Eonths
has held the office of Appraiser. had been named
by the President take his place.
Collector Stranahan's intimate friends how
ever. knew that his permanent separation from
public life would be announced sooner or later.
for his health has been falling rapidly for
eTaI months. His aiIment-a form of progressive
nervous prostration-is such that his physicians
have ordered complete rest
The appointment of Mr. Fowler as Collector
Stranahan's successor is due partly to the
splendid record made by him in the Appraisers
office and partly to the fact that he has for
years been close personal friend of Secretary
Cortelyou They worked together in the same
department in the postoffce years ago and have
maintained ever since the cordial relations
established during that period.
In connection with the Collectorship appoint-
ment. Secretary Corteiyou authorized this state-
ment:
Collector Stranahan resigned because Of nt
health 1t was with great reluctance that the
department accepted this resignation. and only
upon his influence. He retired from this Of
fee to the great regret of all. and with the
acknowledged reputation Of having been one
Of the best collectors that New York has ever
had.
During the eighteen months that Colonel Fov-
Ter has been Appraiser of the Port he has given
administration that has been satisfactory
alike 10 the business interests and the business
men Of the port Of New York. He has been
energetic, watchful and fair. He has reorgan-
lied botE the working force and its methods
and brought about more work. less congestion
and the minimum OF delay in the examination
of merchandise
Colonel Fowler is a resident OF New York
City His appointment as Appraiser was recon-
mended by the leading members of the Produce
Exchange in New York, the LOYAL Legion OF
which he is a member; by nearly all Of the
judges in New York City and Brooklyn and by
prominent attorneys and others. He is particu-
larly well versed in customs law. and is especial
ly fitted for the Office OF Collector by executive
capacity and knowledge of the duties Of the
office.
Appraiser Fowler will be succeeded bv Charles
w MacDonough. Of New Jersey. Mr. MacDon-
ough has been in the Appraisers office for sew
eral years. and his appointment is merely a pro
motion for good work He was highly recon-,
mended by the Governor Of the state. the tvo
Senators and many prominent business and pro-
fessional men of New Jersey
Mr.. stranahan went 70 Europe several r,o,.r,
ago. believing that the trip would rans4+ ~.
health. which had been falling for two wears
From time 10 time word received at the Gus
eOAil IAOuSc bildt ne NdS rapidly h,
was expected TO return 10 take up duties Three
weeks ago. however. the reports began to be I7ss
favorable, and he Is now said SUFFERING from,
a severe attack OF nervousness. He Is in England
Colonel Fowler heard the first report that his
name had been sent to the Senate by the President
when the message came over the ticker In his
Office yesterday afternoon When reporters called
at hts office he told them that he would have moth
ing 20 until he received official notification OF
his appointment.
The new appointee has had varied career.
which began when. through his own efforts hs
obtained place in the War Department soon after
his graduation from the Highland Academy IN
Newburg. At the time he was the youngest clerk
in the department He employed his leisure hours
in the study Of law and eventually took up work
in the evening sessions Of the Columbian College
law school. from which he graduated with the
degree of Bachelor Of Laws Among his classmates
Rear Admiral CoghIan. then a lieutenant COM
mander on duty in the Navy Department.
Colonel Fowler subsequently, followed the prac-
tice OF law in New York. He became connected
with the National Guard OF the state and served
at various times captain. lieutenant colonel aide
de-camp and colonel. He assistant judge ad-
vocate general on the STATS of Governors Black
and OdeIL In May. 1855. at the beginning Of the
spanish-American War. he was appointed major and
paymaster Of United States Volunteers. When hs
was mustered he resumed the practice Of law
IN New York until 1894. when he appointed as
sistant chief the record and pension Office in the
War Department The Senate. however. failed to
confirm his nomination. in Difference to the opinion
that only officer in the regular army should be
appointed the place, and he returned TO New
York
He was the referee appointed by the Supreme
Court 10 try the OF the City OF Brooklyn
against John Y. Mckane for misappropriattOn OF
the public funds. and has been connected with sew
eraI other important litgations. He has served az
one of the Subway Commissioners. having been
appointed by the Appellate Division OF the Supreme
Court for the I'd Department to report on tho
construction of the loop lines and the con-
struction of three tunnels under the East River
He was a close friend OF President Arthur, and
IN his administration served as a law clerk and an
assistant appraiser in the Appraisers department
He was appointed Appraiser of Merchandise for ths
Port of New York. to succeesi George ". White
head on May q. 1896. Colonel Fowler is a member
Of the Sons of the Revolution. the Society OF tne
War OF is12 the Military Order of the Loyal Legion.
Sons of Veterans. Z. s A. and the Society or
the Spanish-American War. besides being a men,
ber of the Mecca Temple OF the Mystic Shrine N
this city.