Fort Mill times. [volume] (Fort Mill, S.C.) 1892-current, 1908-12-24
KNOX SEC. OF STATE
Pennsylvania Senator Accepts
Highest Place in Cabinet
Mr.. TAFT is MUCH GRATIFIED
After Receiving Telegram From
Philander O. Knox, Signifying His
Willingness to Accept. Mr.. Taft
Announces His Appointment as
Secretary Of State.


Augusta, Ga, Special.-William Fl.
Taft, Presidcnt-clect of the United
States Friday night announced the
appointment of United States Sena-
tor Philander c. Knox, of Pennsyl-
vania, as Secretary of State in his
Cabinet.
The announcement followed the re-
ceipt by Mr.. Taft Of a telegram,
which came late in the afternoon,
conveying the information from Mr..
Knox that be would accept the pre-
miership Of the Taft Cabinet. Mr..
Taft without delay made the an
nouncemcnt that the matter was set
tied. In giving the details of the ne
gohatlons he said that the offer was
made to AR Knox last Sunday morn
ing In New York That since the
offer he had not heard from Mr..
Knox until the telegram he received
trdaT. After consultation with
Secretary Root in Washington last
Sunday afternoon, Mr. Taft said he
made an effort TO sec the Pennsylvan-
IN Senator there but was informed
he was in New York to attend the
dinner of the Pennsylvania society.
lie wircd Mr.. Knox to see him at the
Henr7 w. Taft residence Sunday
mcrn;ng: The appointment was kept
Mr. ksfox concluding his visit in time
Tor Jndge Taft to attend morning
church services, bnt remaining. at the
Ialt res.dence-tintil after Judge Taft
sr>d gone toschurch.
x feel that I am to be congratulat-
eq inSsecnting the services of Sen
vators Ks9x in my Cabinet" Judge
Taft saidS In making the statement
with the understanding that he was to
DC quoted. '' In selecting a Secretary
'of- State / wanted first great law
YER ord, second, man who would
MI the public eye, not only here but
k aDrpad, sas man who stands out pre-
cninrntiy rs great American.
Mr.s iAnox was a great ATTORNEY
~tfenesai; he was prominent candi-
cate for the presidency. and he is
recognized in the Senate and else
where as one of the great lawyers of
that body.'
Judg Taft also feels that from n
political viewpoint the selection of
Mr.: Knox is most happy. He ex-
planned that there was often a feel
ing that the State of PENNSYLVANIA.
with Its assured Republican major
ltles, often was slightly in the mat
ter of recognition in the high coun-
sells of tho party. That this will not
De the case in the next administration
was indicated b. the announcement
by Mr.. Taft that he should invite
Senator Knox to come to Augusta.
Ca, that he might consult him freely
with reference to filing other places
IN his Cabinent. In fact, he said
that he felt the need of such advice
a she should be able to obtain from
Mr.. Knox regarding not only the Cab
met, but many matters preliminary
to the beginning of his administra-
hon. That Mr.. Knox's influence will
be potent was freely admitted by Mr.
Taft.
The hesitation Of Senator Knox TO
make more speedy decision is inter
preted here to his desire to arrange
with due regard for the interests Of
the party and his State for relin-
gushing his seat in the Senate. Mr..
Taft cvinced many evidences of grat-
ifieation at the decision which has
been reached.