New-York tribune., 1913-12-24
WILLIAMS EAGER
TO Be CONTROLLER
Senators Asked If His Con-
frmation Can Be Forced
Through.
REPLY REVEALS
WIDE OPPOSITION
President Urged Not to Make
Appointment Certain to Lead
to Investigation.
rFrom The Tribune Bureau. !

10 InVeStlSdtlOH,
(From The Tribune Bureau
Washington, Dec 23.-The determlna-
ton of John shelton Williams, Assistant
Secretary Of the Treasury, TO secure ap-
pointment as Controller Of the Currency
and as such TO become member OF the
Federal Reserve Board, was shown in two
directions to-day. Inquiries emanatins
from the Treasury Department, put ac-
credited TO the White House, were au-
dressed to prominent Democratic Senators
regarding the possibility of forcing tne
confirmation of Mr.. Williams for the Of
fee and the extent of the Republican op-
position, and a hurried inquiry was sent
TO the Department Of Justice from 'ne
Treasury, requesting Information as W
how long Mr.. Williams could last III the
office of Controller under recess appoint
o,ent. The latter inquiry followed earnest
advice from prominent Democrats IN the
upper house against the nomination.
Senator simmons one of those TO Whom
inquiries regarding the possibility OF MI
Wuliams's confirmation were addressed
renlied that. so far as he could ascertain,
the submission of Mr.. Willams's name
for this impo-tant post would lead to
sweeping investigation of the part played
by him in the absorption OF the Uniteu
states Trust Company by the MunseE
Trust Company. the reasons why ne re-
iectcd an identical proposition. made AT
an earlier date by the Continental Trust
Company, and the separate oher OF ek-
Senator Scott. president of the Cont
mental Trust Company, to assume the
presidency Of the United States Trust
Company and TO furnish 100000 OF his
own funds to save both depositors and
stockholders from all possible loss.
Urged Not to Name Williams.
Some of the ablest members OF the ma
ioritv in the Senate have urged the Presi-
dent not to appoint Mr. Williams 10 IN"
important post he covets, pointing out
that such course would unquestionably
initiate against that confidence In the
Federal Reserve Board which is all I'M
portant TO the success not only or that
board. but of the entire new fiscal system
II has been further urged on the Presi-
dent that there is nothing TO gain by such
an appointment in comparison with the
baneful political results which inevitably
would follow.
II is not known what reply the Depart
ment of Justice made TO the inquiry re-
garding the possible duration OF recess
appointment Of Assistant Secretary Will
Jams to the Office OF Controller. but IL is
safe assumption that the officials point
ed out to the Secretary Of the Treasury
that a recess appointment would make II
necessary for the President TO submit
the nomination 20 the Senate Immediately
/ after the holiday recess, when the Senate
/ would be in a position 70 conduct as
! sweeping and farreaching an investiga-
tion into the fitness Of Mr.. Williams Tor
| this all important post as il might see NJ
| That the President, realizing that MI
/ Williams could not have been conhrlheu
| had his nomination been sent 10 the S'h-
! ate. will give him n recess appointment
| is the opinion entertained at the Treas
ury Department.
The prediction is freely made on both
sides OF the Senate that Mr.. Williams
could never be confirmed. and, speaking
privately, Democratic Senators assert
that they would view the submission OF
his name with grave regret as they be-
lieye it would prove sufficient TO Initiate
AN investigation which, for obvious rea-
sons. they would deplore. No one oil
them appears TO know, however. just
what is in the mind Of the President
Some intimate their conviction that when
/, they have had an opportunity to talk with
! Secretary McAdoo he will perceive the
A,advisability OF such step and VIII
| p, ,unsel the President against 1t. Others
| 90 sert their belief that Mr. Williams Is
| the stronger man, and are pessimisu'
| reRa riding the prospects OF dissuading MI
McA1 1oo from course to which they fear
the A ssistant Secretary has already com
mitted him.
Renh ,licans are determined that Mr.
William, g shall not be confirmed, with the
| axcention OF a certain few who are skep-
| tical of Abe merits of the currency bill
and who a1elieve that the more blunders
| the Pr4side 1t makes In choosing the Fed
| ersl Reserys Board the sooner the ObJec'
tionable chan acter Of the entire measure
will become obvious TO bankers and ths
general public.