Los Angeles herald., 1908-12-19
TAFT APPOINTS
SENATOR KNOX
NEXT PREMIER
SOLON ACCEPTS APPOINTMENT
TO SUCCEED ROOT
PENNSYLVANIA DECIDES TO
ENTER NEW CABINET
President-EIeot Euiogizes Choice in
Enthusiastic Terms-other Cab
met Appointees Discussed.
ohioan for Treasury
IBy Associated Press. !

4 UGUSTA, Ca, Dec. 18-President-
II elect Taft tonight announced the
N appointment of Senator Knox of
Pennsylvania as secretary of state in
his cabinet
The announcement followed the re-
ceipt by Mr., Taft of a telegram con-
Veying the information from Mr.. Knox
that he would accept the premiership
of the Taft cabinet.
Mr.. Taft without delay announced
that the matter was settled. He said
the offer was made to Mr.. Knox last
Sunday in New York and since the
offer he had not heard from Mr. Knox
until today's telegram.
Il feel [ am to be congratulated in
securing the services of Senator Knox
in my cabinet said Mr.. Taft.
I'm selecting a secretary of state, 1
wanted first a great lawyer, and, sec
ond, a man who would fill the public
eye, not only here but abroad, as a
man who stands out pre-eminently as
a great American"
Mr.. Taft also feels that from a pdli-
tical viewpoint the selection of Mr.
Knox is most happy. He explained that
there was often feeling that Pennsyl-
Yania, with it's Republicn majorities
was sighted In the matter of recogni-
tion. That this will not be the case
in the next administration was indi-
Gated by the announcement by Mr.. Taft
that he would invite Senator Knox to
come to Augusta that he might con-
suit him freely with reference to fill
ing other places in his cabinet.
Other Probable Appointees
1t is generally believed that an Ohio
man will be, selected for secretary of
the treasury
No name except that of Judge r. A.
Ballinger of Seattle, Wash, former
commissioner of the general land office,
is heard here in connection with the
secretaryship of the interior depart
ment, and it is thought that he stands
an excellent show for this place.
1t was stated at the capitol that Mr.
Taft is looking for a man to take the
war portfolio who has had sufficient
experience to work out the reorganiza-
tion scheme put into force by Mr.. Root
while he was at the head of that de-
partment.
The position of secretary of commerce.
and labor had been mentioned to very
slight extent, and in some quarters ii
is thought possible that Secretary
Straus. who also is from New York.
will be continued in that post, for
time at least.
For secretary of agriculture it is prac-
tically conceded that James Wilson of
Iowa will be continued in the place for
a year or more.
The appointment of Frank H. Hitch
cock to be postmaster general already
has been announced authoritatively.
Taft Gets Big Reception
The arrival of Mr.. Taft today caused
much joyous excitement and many
demonstrations of welcome. He was
received with southern hospitality.
In discussing his purposed visit to
Panama, Mr.. Taft made it plain that
it was his purpose to keep himself
posted throughout his administration
regarding the engineering features of
the work on the isthmus as well as the
administration features.
1t is his intention to visit Panama
each year of his term. The problem
that will receive the greatest consid-
Grafton during his trip relates to the
engineering features of the Gatun dam.
An invitation came to Mr.. Taft from
President Philip Marley of the New
Orleans Progressive union to return
from Panama at that port. Savannah
also has come forward with bid for
a visit.
Other than to announce that Senator
Knox had been selected as secretary
of state, Mr.. Taft declined to speak of
cabinet rumors.
Regarding the report that George
Wickersham of New York would be
attorney general. Mr.. Taft said he had
not yet determined on any one definite
ly for this place.
1t is his desire to fill this place with
an administrative genius who will re-
organize the department as we'll as the
legal phases of the department of COM
meree and labor and the interstate
commerce commission.