Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-06
JOHNSTON WITHDREW DECL LiNATI0N TO SERVE.

With CunO II. Rudolph already decided
upon as Commissioner. President Taft
had narrowed the list of possibilities for
selection as the other civil Commissioner
to two candidates. Gen. Johnston and
Greed NJ Fulton, as announced in The
Star
He decided late yesterday. however. to
, dispose of the matter quickly as pos
sible Today he had a brief conference
with Mr. Rudolph and received messages
from several Washington men, including
John Joy Edison.
Senator TAYLOR of Tennessee. who con-
ferred with him on this and several other
matters, ascertained that the President
had made up his mind to name Gen.
Johnston. Before noon the two nomina-
tions were on their way to the Senate.
quickly settling the White House end or
the fight after a consideration running
over six or seven weeks.
President Has Moved Slowly.
The President has been deliberate and
careful in the whole matter, having given
unusual time to reaching a decision. He
admitted, in his talks with Washington
people and others interested in the can
didates that he was not thoroughly posted
as TO District men of prominence and
was deeply desirous of making two selec-
tions that would be of greatest benefit
and value to the whole District.
That he might do this he listened to
words of praise and criticism of the dif-
ferent men proposed.
His selection of Cuno II. Rudolph was
reached early in view of the practically
unanimous Endorsement of MV Rudolph
hy others.
is a singular and deserving tribute to Mr..
Rudolph that. after his virtual selection
was announced in The Star not single
hammer raped within hearing OF the
White House in opposition TO him.
Everybody told the President that the
choice was good one and could not
have been better
Messrs Merriam. Hemphiil, Thomas
and several others near to the goal were
put out of business by tomahawks more
less well sharpened.
Johnston Persuaded to Accept.
The President has stated that he origi-
nally wished to nominate Gen. Johnston.
but was informed that Gen. Johnston
could not be persuaded to take the place.
Upon that information he dropped the
name from his list and turned to others.
Yesterday morning he received an init
ma ton that Gen. Johnston might accept.
ne sent an eillSSdIy 10 uuu Jul "hOtuSA
this was
The repor, came back that Gen. john
ston had reconsdered, owing to the
many friends who had urged him to do
so That settled the matter with the
President
The President had been advised by some
OF his callers that Gen. Johnston's nomi-
nation might lead to the criticism tnat
two military men were upon the board OF
Commissioners, or that Gen. Johnston's 8
long military training and occupation
might lead 10 brusoue methods in deal
ing with District citizens asking consid-
erstion at the District building.
Friends of Gen Johnston today iNformed
the President that despite his wealth and
military life he was democratic ana ap-
proachable. and that he would prove
popular with District people.
Johnston Not on Retired List.
The suggestion that Gen. Johnston could
not be nominated because the organic
law calls for two civilians met with no
consideration. in view OF the fact that
Gen. Johnston resigned from the army