The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-03-07
NEW RES|DENT
SPE.NS BUSY DAY
At THE CAPITAL
.eeEs binet in First
Session of Official
Standing
COUNTRIES SEND
CONGRATULATIONS
Wilson Kept Busy Most of Day, But
Quits Work at p. Impractical
Demonstration of New
Patronage Rule

Wilson saw most of the phases that
go with the presidency today. He met
his cabinet for its first session of Of
ficlal standing received congratula-
fions of some of the kings and emper-
ors of the world and replied to them;
talked With several men mentioned re-
peatedly for diplomatic posts shook
hands with $50 east room visitors: was
consulted about the legislative pro-
gramme OF the democratic Congress, and
suiting action to his word by declining to
interest himself In patronage matters un-
Ill one of his official family had been
seen.
The day lacked some of the rush of
yesterday but 1t was busy enough to
keep the President on the jump most.
OF the time and to force Secretary Tu-
multy to spend many crowded minutes
out in the corridors of the executive
offices djsposing of callers at rapid
fire rate.
The President quit work promptly at
o'clock and went for an automobile
ride with Mrs. Wilson. Tonight he
saw William L. Mccombs, chairman of
the democratic national committee, and
Joseph Davies, its secretary Both men
have figured prominently as possible
diplomatic appointees. They were
closeted with the President in the
White House proper. Mr.. McCombs ar
rived first and stayed but a short time
and Mr.. Davies did not appear until
after the White House dinner was
over.
Mr.. McCombs said he had not dis
cussed the matter of accepting the am
bassadorship TO France. His visit con-
cerned questions of patronage. Intimate
friends of Mr.. McCombs say he has
not yet decided whether to accent or
decline the offer of a foreign post. He
nas been consulting his lrienas. some
of whom have advised him against re-
linqujshing the chairmanship Of the
democratic national committee His
health. however. requires q trip ana
whether or not he takes the proffered
position he will soon leave for Europe
Chairman McCombs left here at mid
night tonight for New York. Friends
who talked with him in the evening were
all agreed that Mr.. McCombs would de-
cline tEs ambassadorship to France Of
Tered him by President Wilson. and re-
tain the chairmanehip OF the democratic
national committee. Mr.. McCombs him.
SELF said he was not yet ready to make
any statement.
Charles r. Murphy, leader of Tamniany
hall. will pay his respects to President
Wilson tomorrow. Senator O'Gorman
made this announcement after confer
ence with Mr.. Murphy, Representatives
Fitzgerald and Perry Belmont of New
York. Senator oGorman referred to the
conference which broke up at midnight
as a general talk Mr.. Murphy char
acterized it with a smile as a social
CALI He intends to return to New York
tomorrow after calling at the White
House.
Many Congratulations
congratulatory kilograms and letters
poured into the White House today
from all over the world. They came
from Kings, Emperors and Presidents
Of foreign republics, and from proud
fathers and mothers who announced
tho birth on March of sons who are
to be named Woodrow Wilson. Most of
the governors of the states. many
mayors of cities and scores Of prom
inent democrats contributed their mes-
sages.
President Wilson's cabinet broke
some of the records established by Mr.
Tafts official family. The Taft ad-
visors usually reached the White
House offices much after II O'clock
the hour set for the meeting. All Mr.
Wilson's cabinet were in the offices
within few minutes of the meeting
hour ready to sit for dozen pho-
tographers and several moving picture
machine men.
Secretary Bryan WAS center of In
terest again when he entered the ex-
ccutive offices. IIe had hard time
getting through the crowd and was
stopped several times to be introduced
by senators or congressman to their
constituents. Several women In the
waiting room began to clap their hands
and sing out, "Oh, there Games Bryan,'
when the secretary entered at a rapid
walk, DOTTED his broad brimmed hat
and smiled morning greeting.
Compliments Wilson
When the cabinet meeting broke up
the members talked enthusiastically Of
their first official talk around the cab
met table. '"rhe thing most impress
sive." said Secretary Lane, twas the
extrenic modesty of the man at the
head Of the table. He listened with ev-
cry consideration and decided without
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