The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1908-12-22
KNOX WILL HEAD
TAFT'S CABINET
Pennsylvania Senator Accepts Port
folio Of State-President-Elect
is Gratified.

Augusta, Ga., Dec. 18.-William H.
Taft, president-elect Of the United
States, announced the appointment Of
United States Senator Philander C..
Knox Of Pennsylvania as secretary of
State in his cabinet.
The announcement followed the re-
eeipt by Mr.. Taft Of a telegram,
which came late this afternoon, con-
veying the information from Nh.
Knox that he would accept the pre-
miership Of the Taft cabinet. Mr..
Taft without delay made the an
nouncement that the matter was SET
tied.
In giving the details, of the negoti-
ations, he said that the offer was made
to Mr.. Knox last Sunday morning in
New York That since the offer he
had not heard from Mr.. Knox until
the telegram he received today. After
a consultation with Secretary Root
in Washington last Saturday after
noon Mr.. Taft said he made an effort
to, see the Pennsylvania senator there,
but was informed that he was in
New York to attend the dinner of the
Pennsylvania society. He wired Mr..
Knox to see him at the Henry W.
Taft residence Sunday morning: The
appointment was kept, Mr.. Knox con-
eluding his visit in time for Judge
Taft to attend the morning church
service, but remaining at the Taft re-
sidence until after Judge Taft had
gone to church.
Mr.. Taft Gratified.
s'I feel that I am to be congratu-
lated in securing the services Of Sem
ator Knox in my cabinet," said Judge
Taft in making the announcement
and making the statement with the
understanding that he was to be
quoted. ''In selecting secretary Of
State [ wanted first a great lawyer
and second a man who would fill the
public eye, not only here but abroad,
as man who stands out preeminent-
ly a great American.
'FMr. Knox was a great attorney
general, he was a candidate for the
presidency and he is recognized in
the senate and elsewhere as one Of
the great lawyers of that body.'
Judge Taft also feels that from
political viewpoint the selection OF
Mr.. Knox is. most happy. He explain
ed that there was often feeling that
the State Of Pennsylvania, with its
assured Republican majority, often
was sighted in the matter Of recog-
milton in the high councils Of the par
ty. That this will rot be the case in
the next administration was indicat-
ed by the announcement by Mr.. Taft
that he should invite Senator Knox to
come to Augusta that he might con-
suit him freely with reference to fill
ing other places in his cabinet. In
fact, he said, he felt the need Of such
advice as he should be able to obtain
from Mr.. Knox regarding not only
the cabinet, but many matters preli-
minary to the beginning of his ad-
ministration.
~ That Mr.: Knox's influence will be
potent was freely admitted by Mr..
Taft. -.
The hesitation Of Senator Knox to
make a more speedy decision IS in
terpreted as due to his desire to ar
range with due regard for the inter
ests Of the party and his State for
relinquishing his seat in the senate.
Mr.. Taft evidenced qualification at
the decision which had been reached.
Mr.. Taft said tonight that he had
not determined definitely on any one
for the attorney generals place i'll
his cabinet.