Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-03-14
CASE OF MR.. VICTOR
Why His Nomination Was Re-
committed.
BIG SENATE ROW PENDING
Claim That His Office Was Result
of a Deal.
FAIRBANKS AND TAFT PEOPLE
Both Hot Over the Matter and Bitter
Features May Develop Be-
fore It Is Over.
'AIRBANKS AND TAFT PEOPLE

A big row is impending in the Senate
over the nomination of Grant Victor to
be United States marshal for the eastern
district of Oklahoma The nomination
has been favorably reported by the COM
mittee on judiciary, but last Tuesday it
was recommtted to the committee on the
objection of several senator's. in execu-
tive session.
The objection made to the nomination,
according to the statement of senators
who are familiar with the case, is that it
is charged that Mr.. Nictor's nomination
was the result of deal by which he
transferred his allegiance from the Fair
banks forces TO the Taft forces. and that
the appointment thus virtually became
political pawn and asset. 1t is complained
that this is case of use of federal pa
tronage to forward the Taft boom, which
many senators will resent.
The Taft people claim that Victor is be-
ing opposed result of a combination of
forces in the Senate desiring to embarrass
the President. They threaten to retallate
on the Fairbanks men by making trouble
for one of Vice President Fairbanks
hackers in Indiana who holds federal
office and is active in politics.
Only Fairly Started.
1t is said that the row has but fairly
started and that it is likely to develop
bitter features on both sides before it is
over. According to the Fairbanks peO-
ple Mr. Grant Victor had been a loyal
supporter of the Vice President until sum-
moned TO Washington and offered the
United States marshalshp. by the adj
ministration in consideration of support
ing the Taft candidacy. 1t is said that
Mr. Victor made no concealment of the
this change nf front but
planned it by his desire to obtain the
office. which carries considerable minor
patronage with it.
A man had already been named for the
place-Mr. G. A. Porter. relative of the
President-but objection was raised against
him and his nomination was withdrawn
and Mr.. Victor's substituted. He was ap-
pointed March 3. and March his dis
trict chose Taft delegates.
The Taft side of the story is given by
one of the Taft sympathizers as follows:
The Taft Side.
According to friends of the administra-
ton. whose side of the story was freely
circula ted today. there was a combination
in the Senate in the first place, of friends
of Fairbanks. Cannon and Foraker. who
banded themselves together to defeat the
nomination of Porter in order that Presi-
dent Roosevelt might be humiliated. Por-
ter being a personal friend and a relation
by marriage of Mr.. Roosevelt. There was
no other reason for defeating Porter it is
alleged, whose record is pointed to in
support of his fitness for the place. 1t is
further alleged that Porter incurred the
enmity of bootleggers, dive keepers and
other Oklahoma lawbreakers by his rigid
enforcement of the law. and that this
class of individuals is the only di-
rectly benefited by his defeat
THE defeat of Porter is taken TO serve
notice by the Senate on the marshals that
if they do their full duty in prosecuting
influential whisky peddlers they are liza BILE
to meet the same fate as Porter. There
were rumors of charges against Porter, it
is true. but Porter was turned down by
the Senate without investigation of these
charges, without opportunity to refute
them and without. in many particulars,
even being informed as to the character
Of these charges.
Charge by Anti-Administration Peo-
pie.
1T was charged by the anti-adminis-
tration people that Victor whose name
was sent in after that of Porter. had been
Withdrawn. was a Fairbanks man until
the prospect of succeeding to the United
States marshaIship was temptingly dan
gled before him. This was said to have
Taft and Victors change of political
front has been attributed to his satiSfac-
ton with the appointment. In this con-
nection it is pointed out that Victor was
candidate for the appointment before
Porter's name was sent in. 1t is also
shown that when Porter was put out of
the running the various political elements
in Okla homa centered upon him and that
his nomination was recommended by Ma
tional Committeeman Cade and Soper of
the state of Oklahoma by State Chairman
Hunter and by the republican representa-
tive. Bird Mcclure.
'The activity of Senator Hemenway in
bringing about recommittal of Victor'S
nomination has aroused considera BILE re-
sentiment and advice has been rendered
the President to take some steps equally
displeaSing TO the other side. He has
again been reminded of the fact that a
district attorney in Indiana interested in
the Fairbanks candidacy has been devot-
ing much of his time to political pur-
suits in utter disregard of the rules that
protect the game. The suggestion may
he said To be under prayerful considera-
ton.