The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1908-12-19
Ohio Man Will Likely Fill the
Position Of Secretary Of the
Treasury
GEORGE v. WICkERsHAM
WILL Be ATTORNEY GENERAL
Richard A. Balllnger only Man Talked
Of For Secretary Of the Interior
James Wilson to Remain at Head Of
Agricultural Department.

Augusta, Ca, Dec. 19-William H.
Taft last night announced the appoint
ment of United States Senator Philan-
der G. Knox of Pennsylvania as sec
retary of state in his cabinet. =.
The announcement followed the re-
ceipt by Mr.. Taft of telegram
which came late last evening convey
ing the information from Mr.. Knox
that he would accept the premiership
OF the Taft cabinet. Mr.. Taft without
delay, made the announcement that
the matter was settled. In giving the
details Of the negotiations he said that
the offer was made to Mr.. Knox last
Sunday morning in New York. Since
the offer he had not heard from Mr..
Knox until the telegram he received
today. After consultation with Sec
retary Root in Washington last Satur.
day afternoon: Mr.. TAFT said he. made
an effort to see the Pennsylvania. sena-
tor there, but was informed that he
was in New York to attend the dinner
of the Pennsylvania society. He wired
Mr.. Knox to see him at the Henry w.
Taft residence Sunday morning. The
appointment was kept, Mr.. Knox con-
L
tend morning church service.
II feel that am to be congratulated
in securing the service of Senator
Knox In my cabinet" said Judge Taft
In making the announcement. "In Sc
lecting secretary of state, I wanted
first great lawyer and second man
who would fill the public eye, not only
here, but abroad as man who
stands out pre-eminently as a great
American.
"Mr. Knox was a great attorney gen
eral. He was a prominent candidate
Tor the presidency ana no ~ s''recogni3.
ed in the senate and elsewhere ais one
of the great lawyers Of that body,
While in Warrington lxSt &6ek
President-elect Taft told several oi
his close advisers that If he could fill
to his entire satisfaction the position
Of secretary of state, secretary Of the
navy and attorney general, he would
not be at all disturbed by the dif1culty
of getting suitable appointees for the
remaining positions.
1t is generally believed here that
an Ohio man will be selected for sec
retary of the treasury. But it Is not
believed here that any choice has yet
been made.
No name except that Of Judge Rich
ard A. Ballinger of Seattle, Wash,
former commissioner Of the general
land Office, is heard here in connec-
tion with the secretaryship of the In
terror department and 1t is thought
that he stands an excellent show for
this place.
Attorney General
It was learned on what was regard
ed as reliable authority that George
w. Wickersham of the New York law
firm of Strong & Cadwallander, has
been rendered the position of attor-
ney general and that he would accept
the position.
It was stated at the capitol today
that Mr.. Taft is looking for man to
take the war portfolio who has had
sufficient business experience to work
out the reorganization scheme which
was put into force by Mr.. Root while
he was at the head Of that department.
It is said that Mr.. Taft has several
men in mind but is not ready to make
q selection at that this time and that
he has not rendered the post to any
one.
It is known that at one time Mr..
Taft had in mind the selection of
Charles A. Thompson of New York to
be secretary of the navy. Whether
the appointment of Mr.. Wickersham
will interfere with this choice is not
known, but 1t is not likely that more
than two men will be drawn from
New York state. The position of sec
retary of commerce and labor has
been mentioned to very slight extent
and in some quarters 1t is thought
hrobable that Secretary Straus, who
Also is from New York state. will be
continued in that post for time at
least, but nothing definite in this re-
kard can be learned at this time.
For secretary of agriculture It is
practically conceded that James Will
ION of Iowa will be continued In the
blace for year or more
Scramble for Place
philadelphia, Dec. 19-Early inM,-
,at,ons point to a scramble among
well known Republicans to succeed
frnited States Senator Knox, who has
scrented the offer of Preside dent-elect
Toft ia become secretary of state In
iha Taft cabinet. Following the GUS
nm nm in Pennsylvania which gives both
he he east and west representation In
lha M senate. Mr.. Knox's successor will
snma @ from the western part of the
state At least half dozen candidates
~ ava been mentioned, all of them re-
fid,ne In or near Pittsburg. II y be-
saved here that Senator Knox Will not
iesign from the senate Until some tiMe
ifter January 20. on which date the
legislature will meet IN joint session
y elect senator for the term Degtn-
ling March 4. Senator BOISE reorose
. = candidate for reelection.