Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-12-18
THREE MEN IN LEAD
Probable Choice of District
Commissioners.
SELECTIONS BY PRESIDENT
Opinion Divided Between Two
Prominent Republicans.
DEMOCRAT SAID TO BE SURE
Gen. Johnston and Ex-Gov. Merriam
the Republicans; Ex-Representa-
tive Hemphill Democrat.

abilities are that the next two civil COM
missioners of the District of Columbia
will be:
Gen. John \. Johnston of Washington.
former officer of the United States Army,
and
Ex-Representative John J. Hemphill.
formerly Of South Carolina, or
Ex-Gov. Merriam OF Minnesota, former
director o fcensus. and
John J. Hemphill.
These three men are seriously in the
mind of the President. and there will be
no surprise should he announce the ap-
pointments of two of the three by the
end of next week. without waiting for
the reassembling of Congress.
Merely Tentative Selections.
But the Presidents mind is not def
nitely fixed, and the three names are
merely tentative selections at this timer
He gave voice to his views in a confer
ence he had late yesterday afternoon with
Washington man, although he was
careful in saying that he has several
other men under consideration who may
appear on the slate after a few further
conferences he is to have
The appointment of Mr. Hemphill as
democratic Commissioner is regarded as
more definitely fixed than the decision as
to republican Commissioner. This arises
from the high praise of Mr.. Hemphill
that has gone to the President from all
directions. He has been represented as
man of broad legal knowledge, fine ex-
ecutive ability and of type tar above
the salary of the office The President
has been informed too that Mr. Hemp
hills residence in the District Of twenty
years and his chairmanship of the Dis
rict of Columbia committee back in the
eighties have given him a minute knowl-
by few other men In the city.
Ihe only question appears to DE wheth-
er Mr.. Hemphill. whose law practice is
lucrative, could be induced to accept the
position OF Commissioner. paying only
$4,000 a year. 1t is generally believed
that he would not do so, unless he re-
ceived assurances from the President and
leaders of the Senate and House that
the salary Of Commissioner of the Dis
trict would be raised to at least s., 800 a
year, putting it on footing with a
representative.
An Objection Discussed.
Regarding the possible objection to Mr..
Hemphill as a citizen OF South Carolina,
it is stated by his friends today that he
has not voted in that state since 1902,
seven years ago. and that his interests
are conferred in Washington.
1t Is not at this time known whether
Mr.. Hemphill has or has not within the
last three years claimed legal technical
residence in the state, which would render
him under the law ineligible.
Former Representative Hemphill has
practiced law in Washington since 1892
He Is senior member of the firm of Hemp
hill & Peter. He was a representative
in Congress from South Carolina from
20. - 49,
time served as a member Of the commit
tee on the District Of Columbia. He was
born in South Carolina in 1S4a, and after
graduation from South Carolina College
In 1869 studied law with his father. He
began the practice Of his profession in
1871, and five years later was elected a
member of the South Carolina legislature,
where he served until he was elected to
Congress. He Is a member Of the Metro
politan Club and author OF why the
Solid South?''
Choice Between Two.
AS between Gen. Johnston and ex-Gov.
Merriam. the President may hesitate
more or less. He knows Gen. Johnston
personally and Mr.. Merriam fairly well.
The former Minnesota man has been rep
resented to him as an executive Of more
than ordinary ability This, he has been
Governor of Minnesota and as director
Of the census The President desires such
a man in the District building. Gen.
Johnston is also represented to him as a
man of great ability in all directions, and
one of the strongest men in Washington.
Mr.. Merriam went to New York city
last evening and will not return to Wash
ington until tomorrow morning. Asked
casually by reporter for The Star yes
terday afternoon In the Willard Hotel
about the commissionership, he turned
the subject off lightly by saying he was
not q candidate, but at the same time he
emphasized the fact that he was a resi-
dent Of the District and not of Minne-
sofa.
Claims Residence Here.
Former Gov. Merriam. whose home is
at 1414 10th street, claims Washington
as his legal residence and has lived here
since his appointment as director of the
United States census in 1888. He was
born in New York in 1849 and moved in
1861 to ST. Paul, Mimi. Upon graduation
from the Racine College in 1871 he en-
tered the Merchants National Bank as
clerk. and rose through the different
grades until in 1882 he became its presi-
dent.
Minnesota legislature. and in 1886 became
speaker. From 1889 to 1892 he served
for two terms as governor Of his state.
and from 1889 to 1892 he was director of
census. He has had a wide business ex-
perience. and is president of the Shen-
andoah Iron and Coal Company. the Lib
erty Furnace Company, and the Tabulat-
ing Machine Company. He is member
of the Metropolitan and Chevy Chase
clubs, and also of the Lotus and Uni
yersity clubs Of New York.
Against Mr.. Merriam is urged his sup
posed close connection with Minnesota
and his possible retention of the rights of
citizenship there. Under the organic law
Of the District man, to be Commits
sioner Of the District, must be an actual
resident of the District for three years
before his appointment. and shall not
have .'olaimed" citizenship elsewhere dur
ing that period.
This one question would have TO be de-
termined, as the President intends to
comply with the law as to appointing a
citizen Of the District. Friends of Mr.
Merriam declare that he has long ago
disconnected himself with political and
business affairs in Minnesota and that
he has resided in Washington, with his
family, ever since he retired as director
of the census five or six years ago He
has some business interests elsewhere