The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1913-02-26

w dShlnSton, February 2o.-CaDinet
gossip took Il decidedly active turn
about the Capitol to-day, and for the
hrst time Democratic leaders professed
to speak with dehniteness on many of
the phases relating to the official fam
lily of President to be Wilson 1t was
evident that something more than mere
speculation had come to the knowledge
of those closely identified with the new
administration, but the exact sources
OF this Information were not disclosed.
nor would the leaders permit their
names TO lie used as authority for the
Cabinet predictions
AS 10 the Cabinet az whole II wns
said that this had been COMPLETED with
the exception OF two portfolios--Sec-
retRry OF War and Secretary of AEri-
culture. IL is understood that the en-
tire Cabinet had been formulated but
that reconsideration had become neces
sary concerning some of the personnel,
probably The two positions. War and
agriculture. now remaining open.
Definitely Settled.
Concerning those who are believed
TO be included In the Cabinet list rs
now made up, the name of William
Jennings Bryan for Secretary Of State
is looked upon as definitely settled
Democratic leaders both in the Senate
aud House treat this as one OF the
phases or the Cabinet beyond further
doubt. Another name referred to with
dehniteness was that of Representative
Albert s. Burlcson. of Texas. as POST
master-Gcncral. Gossip late in the day.
however. indicated that AIR. Burleson
might be shifted to the secretaryship
oil the Interior Department before the
Cabinet is announced
other names believed to be settled
-
OF North Carolina, Democratic National
committeeman from that State, usual
~ referred TO in connection with the
Navy portfolio. and William g. Nc
Adoo. of New York. Democrats be-
iieved 10 he In possession of accurate
information from Trenton declined to
indicate the exact positions accorded 10
Alr. McAdoo and Mr. Daniels
Palmer Eliminated.
Inc name OF Representative A. ,.Iitch-
ell Palmer. of Pennsylvania. which ho 8
been prominently mentioned in CON
nection with the attorney-generaish iship.
now is definitely eliminated II an
pears that q Cabinet position was ten
dered to Mr.. Palmer and declined .he
expectation being that he would re-
main in tho House or Representatives.
TO be in sense the personal represent :
auve OF Mr. Wilson in the important
legislation about to be formulated.
This plan was carried into partial exc
cution late to-day, when the announce
ment of Representative Burlcson that
he would resign the position of chair
man IF the Democratic House caucus
at an early date was coupled with the
announcement by House leaders that
Mr.. Palmer would succeed as cha;rr,an n
of the caucus
other names Which have been promi :
nently mentioned Tor the attorney gem
eraiship. but which are new definitely
eliminated for this or other Cabinet 20 :
sitions are Chancellor Walker, Of New
Jersey, and Representative Henry. of
Texas Chancellor Walker was highly
regarded. ard it is robably due to his
own wishes that his name is no logger
considered. The determination of Rep
resentativc Burleson, of Texas, for the
postmaster -Seneralship had the natural
effect Of eliminating Mr.. Henry-s namc
from further consideration, lie also be-
ing from Texas.
Discussion Active.
Discussion of the foregoing names
ana positions was more active to-day
than at any time thus far during the
session of Congress. Democratic lead
ers declaring that the Cabinet forma
tion had now reached stage where
FORMAL announcement would he made
within the next few days, some of
them believing that it might come be-
fore the close of the present week
Strength was added to the report of
Mr.. Burlesons selection as n member
of the Cabinet when. as chairman of
the House Democratic caucus, he is
sued tho following statement late to-
day:
when I call the Democratic caucus
TO order on the 5th day of March !
shall ask it to select my successor.
will not be a candidate to succeed nv
self. I have nothing to add TO this
statement"
Members OF the House generally re-
garded this statement as n certain in
dication that Mr.. Burleson has accented
Cabinet portfolio.
Goethnls Mentioned
Information from certain sources
gave assurances that Colonel George
w. Goethals. chief engineer and chair
man of the Panama Canal Commits
sion. is under consideration for Socre-
tary of War. Some close friends Of tho
incoming administration have felt that
a lawyer should be chosen as head of
the War Department.. in view of the
legal questions involved relating to
the Panama Canal, the Philippines and
other important matters, aud thev
point to the limo of lawyers who have
headed the department, such as Root
Taft, Dickinson and Stimson. Colonel
Goethals's familiarity with tho pan
anna Canal, it la declared hoyaya,