The Washington herald., 1911-12-24

While the appointment and conhrma-
ton of Elliott Northcott az Minister TO
Venezuela was told in about two lines
of the newspapers, IT meant much to
the Republicans of West Virginia, where
Minister Northcott has a legal home and
vote. The significance of the appoint
ment, coming two days after an impor-
tant conference of West Virginia Repub-
licans in Washington. will be understood
and appreciated in the State, even If over
looked here. Minister Northcott, already
a seasoned diplomat. was wary about
joining in the convocations of his fellow
Republicans. who net at the Willard,
but he knew what was going on and
he also knew better than any OF them
what was desired by the national admin
istration in connection with next year
political movements in the Northcott
State.
After the two-day conference, which
was held to decide on a candidate for
governor, and which was guided much
by the wishes of the White House, II did
not take long for the President to hand
Northcott his choice of diplomatic assign
ments, and he was confirmed without
reference or delay. 1t Is not forgotten py
West Virginia Republicans that North
colt has been State chairman and United
States attorney, and has an intimate
knowledge OF conditions even If he has
been in Colombia and Nicaragua as Min
lister since the Taft administration took
! hold of things.
The appointment to Venezuela is dis
tinct promotion, even il the salary IS the
same, and 1t is the most important dip
! lomatic post given to West Virginia In
many years. Minister Northcott Will re-
main thirty days before taking up his
J new duties, and he can quietly give a
push forward to the plans of the admin
istration for the future organization OF
the Republican party in West Virginia.
! The conference early in the week was
| laItogether in accord with the national
administrators desire for new deal
| in State politics, with the selection OF
new candidates for State offices, and es-
| peclally for governor. The choice OF
I Or. Hatfield, who comes from the sec
titOn Of the State where Northcott lives
was apparently pleasing. and while there
will be some complaint about fixing uT
! things in Washington, the wish of the
administration is not likely to he disre-
garded.
! Nor Is il overlooked that other emf
nent men in West Virginia give up FOL
the time their personal ambitions in or
der to set the party right for the Presi'
dental year Isaac T. Mann, who was
! foremost in urging DIR. Hatfeld's nOmi
nation, has long been looked upon as 4
! future Senator. yet he calmly insists or
naming the governor from his own sec
tion of the State. and it Is apparent L
| him and all others that a governor anC
Senator can hardly be taken from the
same Congressional district.
| Senator William Alden Smith. Of Mich
igan, went home by way Of New York
intent on seeing ''Disraeli." a new play
! founded on the career Of the great prime
minister. The Michigan Senator has
found time to study the politics of other
nations. and has ever admired the Eng.
lish premier. whose career has been more
appreciated. perhaps. since his death.
Possibly more than most of his fellow
statesmen. the Michigan Senator has con
ferred with the great rulers and public
men Of Europe. and membership on tbs
Foreign Relations Committee has in
creased his interest in foreign affairs. He
has talked with the Emperor of Germany