The Washington times., 1911-02-19
BOURNE |NCENSEDAT
MASONIC INFLUENCE
Gives Statement Regarding
Rejection of Malcolm as
/ Customs Collector.

Senator Bourne of Oregon has given
out a statement with respect to the
1urning down, by the Senate Commerce
Committee, of the appointment of Philip
S. Malcolm as collector of customs at
Portland. Ore, in which he raises the
highly interesting question whether
Masonic influence was set to work, in
violation of the principles of the order,
20 help get Malcolm confirmed.
Whatever influence was used for NAL
colin, il did not succeed. President Taft
appointed Malcolm, and Senator Bourne,
q Republican, and Senator Chamberlain,
o Democrat. opposed his confirmation.
The Senate Commerce Committee re-
fused to recommend his confirmation
accordingly. The result was that Presi-
dent Taft withdrew his name.
Senator Bourne however, produces
what purports to be a copy Of letter
from Joseph Simon, a well-known po-
lticaI boss in Oregon, written to Senator
Warren of Wyoming. in which Simon
represents that Malcolm is a thirty
third degree Mason, and asks support
for him in the Senate accordingly.
Personally Objectionable.
Senator Bourne, in his statement, in
sists this is not in accordance with
Masonic principles. and says he is con-
firmed in this by consulting Senator
Chamberlain, who is himself a Mason.
Senator Bournes statement follows:
The confirmation of the appoint
ment of Philip S. Malcolm. as collector
of customs at Portland, Ore, was re-
ported adversely by the Senate Com
mittee on Commerce upon my objec-
ton. My statement to the committee
was that I had recommended a man
fully qualified and fit for the position.
and that, where the men under con-
sideration were of equal efficiency, |
did not feel that l should be called
upon TO vote for the confirmation of any
Rppointee who would use the influence
OF his position to oppose me politically.
Under the constitutional provision that
appointments shall be made upon the
advice and consent of the Senate. I have
q right to be satisfied with an appoint
ment. Upon this ground the appoint
ment of Malcolm was declared TO be
personally Objectionable to me.
After the Malcolm appointment was
made, and while confirmation was un-
der consideration | received telegraphic
advice that Malcolm had sources of in
fIence of which am not aware, the in
ference being that l should therefore
withdraw oppositior.
Urges Masonic Support.
What this supposed influence may be
Us presumably indicated by the following
telegram. which Senator Warren receiv-
ed and filed with the Commerce Com
mittee:
'POrtIand Orc FeD l.
"Senator Francis +. Warren:
Philip s. Malcolm. nominated by
President for collector of customs,
whose confirmation seems to be opposed
BY one Of Oregons Senators, has made
the most satisfactory, and been the
most efficient and capable collector this
district has ever had. The commercial
interests of this city are united in de-
string his retention. Malcolm, as you
probably know, is thirty-third, and dep
TtY of Supreme Council in oregon. Are
there not enough of US thirty-thirds in
the Senate 10 prevent unjust opposition
waged against him and retain him in
office.
"lSignedD JOSEPH SIMON"
The man whom / recommended is as
fully capable as Mr.. Malcolm and diff
fers from Mr.. Malcolm in that he is an
advocate of the fundamental principles
Of popular government, while Mr. NAL
colin is not. I am not advised as to his
Masonic affiliations, and had not deemed
this proper subject of inquiry.
First Test Honesty.
Not being a Mason, | am not aware
whether Mayor Simon's presentation of
this matter is in accordance with the
principles and purposes of the order,
but Senator Chamberlain, who is a Ma
son, tells me il is not. ] do know, how
ever, that ii will be a sad day for free
government when the business of all the
people is influenced by the question
whether man does or does not hold
membership in a secret society.
In official appointments the first test
should be that of honesty: second, ef-
ficiency; third political principles. There
Is no place for test that involves re-
Iigion, personal relationship, or frater-
nal affiliation."