Omaha daily bee., 1908-12-23
CONSULTS HAMMOND
Head of Republican League Not Can
didate for ANY Position.
CABINET RUMoRs UNFoUNDE1
Judge Taft Ii Inclined to Attribute
Most of Them to Press Agents
of Men who Want
Places.
Places.

AUGUSTA, Ga, Dec 22.-President-
elect Taft. conferred yesterday VITA
John Hayes Hammond, president of
the National League of Republican
clubs, and received suggestions which
will be given serious consideration respect
ing new fields of future usefulness for that
organization. Mr.. Hammond arrived here
on the invitation of Mr.. Taft, who said
there were many things he wanted to talk
over with the eminent mining engineer, in
GLIDING political conditions and appoint
ments. Mr.. was emphat C in say
ing that he was not a candidate for either
the cabinet, the diplomatic corps or any
other position. If he had any ambition
whatever, it would be to head a department
Of public works If such n department should
be established, In the organization of such,
he believes his engineering experience would
be valuable in organizing a branch of serv-
ice having for its purpose the conservation
| of the natural resources and their admins
tration.
Mr.. Taft said tonight he had invited Sena-
tor Knox to come to Augusta within the
nexs two or three weeks If he could, at
which time a cabinet conference would be
held. Mr.. Taft said he believed he was be-
ginning to sec where so many cabinet
rumors came from. The publishing Of a
name with the Information that its possess
sor was being seriously considered" for
the cabinet, he found, has followed the
suggestion of that name to him by some
one intei ested in the person. He added
that he still believed it would take more
/ than the suggestion of a name and its pub
LEGATION to build the cabinet. Mr.. Taft
| stated specifically that there is no founda-
ton for any of the recent cabinet rumors.
State Chairman Walter S. Dickey of Mis-
souri will visit Mr.. Taft in the near future.
That Mr.. Dickey will have something to
say of the qualifications of Charles Nagel
| of st. Louis for a cabinet position is pre-
dicted. Mr.. Taft spoke tonight in the
highest terms OF the legal ability of Mr..
Nagel. who was in charge of the national
headquarters at Chicago in the absence of
Chairman Hitchcock.
The Taft family today moved into the
Terrett cottage, which is to be their home
during the remainder of their stay here.
At dinner tonight they were the guests of
the Country club. Mr.. Taft is vexed at
lis golf score. He refuses TO tell what it
is, but lays the blame to the sand greens.
Many invitations are coming to Mr.. Taft
to visit points in the south. lie said he
would be unable to go anywhere except
to keep his Atlanta engagement.
Purpose of Panama Trip.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 22-The program
for President-Elec Taft and two or three
! ensineers TO go to the Istkmus of Panama
to look over the work there is declared
on the best authority to be matter of in
spection and precaution and nothing else,
| No unexpected or unusual problems have
arisen, it is stated. and there is no alarm
that the work on the canal may be pro-
ceeding upon improper or futile lines. The
president, it is also stated, is handling
the canal much as he would if he We're
having built a great house. He wants to
| guard against missteps and he thinks the
best way to do this is to keep In touch
with the situation. bringing in the best
minds of the country for expressions and
opinions and suggestions as to possible
| changes. Mr.. Taft was selected because
Of his familiarity with the canal work and
the fact that as head Of the government
after March 4 he also wants to be fully
informed in a personal way as to the
developments and progress. The engineers
who will accompany Mr.. Taft have not yet
been selected. although Alfred Noble Of
! New York is one of those who has been
| consulted by the president,