New-York tribune., 1908-12-15

OTTO KELSEY.
Tho VIII be the next First Deputy state Controiler
counted ror by the fact that Nj Kelsey will Ger
fanlv retire from the Insurance Department at the
end OF his term this winter and that the Repuol-
can leaders are friendly to him personally ana
anxious 70 see him in a good place The annual
ralarv OF the Deptuy State Controller IS $9"1' MI
Eelsev was Controller before he became SuFeTlH-
tsrdent Of Insurance
Governor Hughes. when Informed Of the appoint
-ren- and acceptance Of Mr.. Kelsey. declined 70
make any comment
with The announcement Of the appointment OF
M- Kelsey run7ors are rife TO his probable sue
cesso- Prominent among the names mentioned IS
that of Matthew c. Fleming, Of New York VINO
cfed as assistant counsel to the Governor during
the insurance investigation and who was appointed
special commissioner by the Governor to in'esu-
Este the state Insurance Department II was upon
NJ Flerninzs report that the Governor mace ms
second Recommendation to the Senate for S1peilh-
fendent Kelsey's removal II Is known that lhe
Governor highly esteems Mr. Fleming aolhty aS
m insurance expert. but there appears 10 oe d
question as 10 whether he would accept the place
II il we're offered him
Others mentioned are Senator ". " Armstrong,
Of Rochester: Senator Alfred r. Page Of New
York ex-senator X. J. TUily, Of Corning and h
y Bender Of Albany. Friends of Nj Tully say
that he would not resign his present position as
counsel 10 the Association Of Life Insurance Pres-
dents - enter the states service Senator Page,
& Is understood would like u succeed Mr.. Eustls
OF the Public Service Commission OF he lst Dls-
IrtCr
Il IS reported that Governor Hughes may name
some one from another state 10 succeed Mr. hel-
sey The Governor IS said 10 be considering the
adztsa bility Of recommending 70 the Legislature
an increase in the salary Of the State Superinend-
ert Of Insurance TO Sl5.gpo in order obtain the
services o. z man with unusual qualifications
Outside Of giving out the correspondence which
passed between him and Mr.. Kelsey, Mayor Gaus
declined this evening 70 comment on his appoint
rnert. Air. Gaus. under date Of December = wrote
z follows
AIy Dear M Kelsey. Your long public service In
--}SCr / bav watched OF
years with great interest, leads although some
what nesiratingly. not knowing your plans or now
You might view ny Proposal 10 offer you the Tst
ciepGtyshp II the State Controllers ONCE on Jan
There Is no man IN the State Of New York upon
whom could rely in that responsible office with
more perfect security than yourself. and / sin
cerey hope that YOU will lay aside "9ateVer per
tonal disincIiration yen NAY have and in the in
te-est Of public service accept this tender as q
favor ne and 70 the state
Mr. Kelsey replied. week later. follows:
Nv Dear Mr Gaus. Your letter Of the 7th inst
was not delivered until The 10Th by reason Of M
absence from the city. and with your consent
have deferred z reply that I might give Z your
csdve beg Z you that delay would
have been required had the question been solely
personal relations when associated IN the
discharge q public duty
deeply appreciate the confidence you express IT
in rendering the appointment Of deputy con
trcIler Of the state. viii accept the position. Rec
oeniz.ng the honor and responsibility conferred h2
zn invitation 10 share in your administration o.
this great state department, II will he my effor
- aid YOU in making il successful and worthy a
TIE Just expectations Of the public