Los Angeles herald., 1910-09-03
HOLMES TO RULE
IN MINING BUR EAU
President Taft Announces Ap-
pointment of Head in New
Federal Department

BEVERLY, Mass, Sept. 2.-President
Taft tonight announced the appoint
ment of Joseph Austin Holmes of the
geological survey as director of the
new bureau of mines at Washington.
DR.. Holmes had been selected for the
place some time ago, but his appoint
ment was held up, it is understood
here, on the ground that Secretary
Ballinger, under whose department the
new bureau is placed, was opposed to
him. Mr.. Holmes is the intimate per-
sonal friend of Clifford Pinchot, James
r. Garfield and F. H. Newell, director
of the reclamation service, all three of
whom sharply criticised Ballinger on
the witness stand at the Ballinger-
Pinchot inquiry.
1t was reported here that Secretary
Ballinger felt DR.. Holmes might have
had a hand In what he termed the
conspiracy against him. Friends of
DR.. Holmes, while admitting the lat
ters close association and friendship
with Pinchot, Garfield and Newell, de-
clared, nevertheless, that he had taken
no active part in the campaign against
Ballinger.
The Endorsement of DR.. Holmes for
the place was almost unanimous. He
came from the mine operators and min
ers organizations alike. The purpose
of the new bureau is to investigate
and report upon safety appliances to
prevent the awful waste of life an
nually. The bureau will also make an
investigation looking to the improve
ment of methods in mining.
TNof ;e, 20, 1ok nd
probably will issue soon after his re-
turn to Washington from Beverly an
executive order putting all assistant
postmasters and the permanent clerks
at money order postoffices under the
civil service.
Postmaster General Hitchcock recon-
mended this step to the president some
time ago, and h ha been considering
it. Today the president talked the
matter over with r. H. Dana, presi
dent of the National Civil Service Re-
form league. The president will take
the matter up with his cabinet the
latter part of this month and finally
dispose of it. Mr.. Hitchcock thinks
the order will mark a great improve
ment in the postal service.
President Taft has long list of mat
ters to take up with his cabinet adj
visers. He will reach Washington Sep
tember q for a ten days session, and
the cabinet will be in practically con-
tinuous session september 26, q and IS.
The economy plans for conducting
the various departments and the best
means of using the 100000 appropria-
ton for the improvement of business
methods also will be discussed.
There is little or no chance that the
president will make any speeches dur
ing the coming campaign. He has de-
clared his letter to Chairman Mckinley
of the congressional committee, accu-
rately states all he has to say of the
issues.
The president will speak before the
National League of Republican clubs
in New York along general lines.
Foster p. Brown of Tennessee, attor-
ney general of Porto Rico, took up
several matters affecting that island
with the president. also discussed
the political situation In Tennessee.
Tomorrow afternoon the president
starts for Boston and st. Paul, where
he will deliver an address at the Ma
tional Conservation congress Monday
morning. N