The Washington bee., 1908-11-28
Mr., StGIIWapGn
INAUGURAL LEADER.


Member of Previous Body and Favor
ed by Taft and Hitchcock.
Edward J. Stellwagen, of this
city, has been appointed chairman OF
the inaugural committee, which will
have charge of all the details attend
ant upon the Inauguration of Presi-
dent-elect Taft next March.
He was notified of the appointment
today by Chairman Hitchcock, of the
Republican National Committee The
position is one of the most conspic-
uous that is conferred upon a resident
Of Washington, and bears with 1t
national honor.
Mr. Stellwagen, who is president
of the Union Trust Company and OF
the firm of Thomas J. Fisher & Co.,
was treasurer of the last inaugural
committee, and is thoroughly conver-
SAINT with the duties of the position tc
which he has been appointed. He also
has records of previous committees
in his possession, and these are OF
utmost value. He is regarded as be
ing able to act as chairman of the in
augural committee, with a full knowl-
edge of the social as we'll as the bust
ness side of Washington
Others Retire From Race.
It is understood that Chairman
Hitchcock talked with Judge Taft a
length. as to the merits of different
possibilities for the position nov
awarded to Mr.. Stellwagen, and tina
the last named was the choice of the
President-elect. Charles c. Glover
and Gen. Henry c. Corbin. retired
were prominently mentioned for tht
place
The inaugural Craftsmanship IS con
sidered by both Judge Taft and Mr.
Hitchcock d position charged with
great responsibility, and the selection
came only as the result of the mos
careful thought and a desire to secur,
the services of a most valuable man
The post was filled four years ago b,
Gen. John NJ. Wilson, retired, VIII,
discharged his duties in name
which set ( new record in the matte
of holding inauguratiOns.
Prominent in Washington.
Mr. Stellwagen has for long beer
associated among the leaders in tn,
business life of Washington. In hi
capacity of banker and also of opera
tor in real estate, he has been in clos
touch with business and social condi
tions here; and also with the growtl
and civic development of the city Re
Gently he became a member of tn
committee of twelve men who ar
carrying out the project of having
great auditorium constructed il
Washington, and for this purpose ar
about to incorporate the National Au
ditorium Company of Washington
D. c.
Congratulated by Friends.
The news of MIR. Stellwagen's ap
Pointment spread through the cit
with remarkable quicllness, and i
was but a short time after Mr.. Hitch
cock made his announcement until TIL
former was receiving congratulation
of scores of business associates an,
friends.
Mr.. Hitchcock made no forma
statement in regard to the appoint
ment this morning, as he though
none was necessary. He will on Sat
urday name the secretary of the com
mittee and it is likely that some othe
young business man of the Capita
will be found in that position.
"The appointment came to me as
surprise" said Mr.. Stellwageu thi
afternoon. Il am glad to receive i
though, and appreciate the honor yer
much. I have not been a candidate
and I don't think that my name ha
ever been put forward. was NOR
surprised than any one else when
was told BY Mr.. Hitchcock today tha
I had been selected"
Money Will Be Raised.
81 do not think I will have an
more trouble raising the funds fo
the Inauguration than is usually tn
case. In fact, I know that We won
have any trouble in this respect. Tn
task does not strike me as being
difficult one, not at present at least.
"I haven't made any plans yet, an
L.. Lrow what I will do. I supDos