New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-01-22

politicians and legislators early in his first term
learned thst speculation on his appontees usually
vas little better than q waists of gray matter.
Probably only one man IN the Senate-Sena tor
agnew Of New York. who has known Mr. Wallis
for several years-had ever heard his name before.
When the clerk read the Governors message to
the Senate nominating Mr.. Wallis expression Of
blank arszement settled over the faces Of every
man there, from Senator Raines down, and almost
vth one accord they inquired. collectively and
severally, who Is hep
II is violating no confidence to say that Governor
Hughes Is much pleased that he has been able TO
ger Mr. Wallis for this place, which he will take at
considerable pecuniary sacrifice.
Wallis IS a human dynamite stick and you can
look for results from him." said close friend OF
the Governor after the appointment was announced
to-day
Mr. Wallis will take up his duties in the Insur-
snce Department utterly free from connection with
sny insurance company. He was not even Endorsed
Or recommended for appointment by any insurance
company. The Governors appointment made
sitter careful investigation Of his record as in
surance man. scrutiny of his general business
career. and personal interviews with Mr.. Wallis.
i is perhaps significant that the latter part Of
the new superintendent's insurance career. and
the more important part, from the point Of view
Of close connection NTH the 'high-up'' executive
department and company policy. spent In
fhe service Of a company which the insurance
investigation showed 10 have been singularIy free
from all the objectionable practices revealed In
other companies. Thus the probability is that his
views the proper atmosphere and conduct Of
insurance business will be in line with the Hughes
Insurance reform laws.
There has been more or less irresponsible gossip
here that the confirmation Of the new superintend-
s7t when appointed. might be held up in the SEN
ate Of backhanded tribute Otto Kelsey
affirmative affront 70 the Governor. Senator
c4rst1aR, chairman Of the Insurance Committee, set
al this rest with the announcement that on
Monday night he would call meeting Of the COM
TitJee for Tuesday 70 take up the nomination
We realize" said he, that the Insurance De-
partment present is without head, and there
isn't the slightest intent desire to harass any
body interfere with the proper performance of
department business by keeping IT in that condition
any longer than is necessary would have called
meeting of the committee to-day II majority
q the members had been here, but il Is Iney
won't be here until next week"
Mir. Wallis was born In kentucky March 15.
,se IN 1885 he became an agent for the Northwest
ern Mutual Life Insurance Company, and after a
year promoted be general agent Of that
company for kentucky. holding that place six or
seven years Then he went to Baltimore. becoming
agency director for the New York Life for Mary
land. That place he held until five years ago,
waen ne became manager OF The greater New
York agencies Of the Home Life. being promoted
In May Of last year 10 agency supervisor Of eleven
Eastern states. Mr.. Wallis. ii may be noted, was
secretary Of the Taft organization of the State of
kss 1ork. Of which Robert C. Ogden was presi-
CERT, and as such worked against having the New
York Stats delegates 10 the Republican National
Convention pledged TO Governor Hughes. Mr.. Wal
Lis is prominently identified with the Fifth Avenue
Presbyterian Church in New York City and is an
elder Of the church. well superintendent of
the Sunday school OF the John Hall Memorial
chapel He is married and makes his home at
present az the Aston House New York