Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-18
W|CKERSHAM TO Be
ATTORNEY GENERAL
New York Lawyer to Head the
Department of Justice.
CONFERENCES WITH TAFT
Result of Next Presidents Recent
Visit to Gotham.
KNOX FOR THE PREMIERSHIP
Generally Believed That the Senator
From Pennsylvania Is Choice for
Secretary of State.

NEW YORK. December 1S.-That Presi-
dent-elect Taft has selected George w.
Wickersham of the New York law firm
of Strong & Cadwalader to be Attorney
General in his cabinet was learned today
from a source that is regarded as re-
liable.
Numerous conferences were held be-
tween President-elect Taft and prominent
lawyers of this city during the former s
recent visit here. Prominent among those
consulted were the members of the firm
o. Strong & Cadwalader, including Henry
w Taft. brother of the President-elect.
The attorney generalship, it is said. was
one of the chief subjects considered at
these gatherings.
1t is known from friends of Mr.. Taft
that Mr.. Wickersham has been under
consideration for the post of Attorney
General for several weeks In fact even
before the result of the election had been
announced he was considered in connec-
ton with the names of Judge Charles
Nagel of st. Louis. Frank b. Kellogg of
ST. Paul and Henry NJ. Hoyt, the pres
ent solicitor general of the Department
OF Justice.
An "Ofice Lawyer"
Mr.. Wickersham is what is sometimes
termed the "ofice lawyer of the firm of
Strong & Cadwalader. working out the
policy to be pursued on big matters Of
litigation. In Martindale's American law
directory he is rated very good In legal
ability and very high under the c,ass,.
ncation Of recommendations. These are
thA highest inc
rectory. 1t is recognized that Mr.. Wicker
snam has been particularly prominent in
corporation law. and it is said that Presi
dent-eiect Taft's only concern in appoint
Ing him was the fact that there might
be some criticism because of the selection
OF corporation lawyer
Known in Washington.
1t has been known here for several
days that the name of George w. Wick
ersham of New York has been under
consideration by President-elect Taft for
the post of Attorney General. Among
others consulted by Mr.. Taft concerning
Mr.. Wickersham's qualifications was SEN
ator Knox, former Attorney General of
the United States, and who is believed to
be the choice of MIR. Taft for the post of
Secretary of State
Senator Knox declined to discuss the
question in any way. but it is understood
he indOrsed Mr.. Wickersham fully. and
argued that man of sufficient capabil-
tiles in the legal profession for the at
forney generalship could not be found nm
less taken from the list of those who have
mad some experience as corporation law
yers.
Knox for Cabinet.
II is generally believed now that Sena-
tor Knox is the choice of President-elect
Taft for his Secretary of State, al
though no authoritative announcement
las been made concerning the proffer of a
portfolio TO the Pennsylvania senator or
the acceptance by him of a cabinet posi-
tion. That he will be a member of the
cabinet, however. is not doubted here.
For some time it has been rumored that
Pfesident-elect Taft had in mind the ap-
pointmcnt of either Senator Knox or for
mcr Senator John c. Spooner
The best information obtanable about
the Capitol today tended to fix Senator
Knox as the premier of the new cabinet
The selection would give universal salts
faction among republican leaders. al
though Senator Knox's colleagues would
be sorry to bc deprived of his associat ton
in the Senate and would regard his new
duties in the nature of a deprivation
10 Congress and legislation.
IF he goes out very interesting pO-
liiical situation will be developed in Penn
sylvania. A sharp contest to fill his
place would ensue. participated in by
several prominent Pennsylvanians includ-
ing George T. Oliver of Pittsburg, Repre-
sentative Dalzell. Representative Francis
Burke and Josiah Thompson of Union
town.
More Cabinet Gossip.
Gossip of the day mentions Charles Ma
gel of st. Louis as the probable recipient
of a cabinet portfolio. Mr.. Nagel is
close friend Of Mr. Taft and was active