The Birmingham age-herald., 1913-04-05
Governor Appoints Hartwell
Douglass to Succeed
Oakley
SELECTION CAUSES
SOME SURPRISE
O'Neal Issues Short Statement in
Announcing Appointment-To
Put Department on
Business Basis
Ry L. $. BETTY

Montgomery, April 4--(Special J.
Governor ONeal this afternoon ap-
pointed Hartwell Douglass of Mont
gomery permanent president of the
state board of convict inspectors to
succeed James G. Oakley who was re-
moved from office following certain
disclosures in the convict department
probe.
During the past two weeks the af-
fairs of the convict bureau have been
administered by M. B. wellborn OF An
niston, whom the governor appointed
temporary president pending his final
selection.
Mr.. Douglass, the new head of the
state convict bureau, is one of the bes
known business men of Montgomery.
Creates Surprise
The appointment of Mr. Douglass as
permanent president of the board of
convict inspectors created a surprise in
official circles inasmuch as IL was
known that the appointee did not ap-
ply for the position and the. his name
had not been mentiop~ in connection
with the office. T..s, announcement of
his appointment was favorably received
not only by officials at the capitol but
by large number OF personal friends
whom Mr.. Douglass has in Montgom-
cry. Those acquainted with Mr. Doug
lass declare that Governor O'Neal has
been fortunate in inducing him to take
the office.
In announcing the appointment OF
Mr.. Douglass, Governor O'Neal issued
a short statement TO the effect that
it was his purpose to put the convict
department on a strictly business basis
and declared that the appointment was
in no sense political one.
Splendidly Equipped for Duty
II knew Mr.. Douglass was splendid
ly equipped to discharge the import.
ant duties of the trust" declared the
governor in his statement
Mr.. Douglass has never sought a po.
litical office, the only office he has
ever held being that of jury commits.
sioner of Montgomery county, which
he at present occupies.
The governor acknowledges his OBJ.
legations to Mr.. Wellborn for serving
temporarily at the head OF the con-
vict bureau. and declares he has ac-
complished a great work in reorgan-
izing the department.
The governors statement is as fol-
lows: II have this day appointed Mr.
Hartwell' Douglass of this city as per-
manent president of the board of con-
vict inspectors Mr.. Douglass is a lead
ing business man of Montgomery and
has been such for the past 20 years.
HE is a gentleman of the highest
character and has the complete conf
dence of the people of this city. He
brings to the discharge of the duties
of this. office ripe business expert
ence. Mr.. Douglass was not an APP
plicant for this position. His first in
timation that he was under consider
alton was when the appointment was
rendered. He has never sought any
public office nor held any except that
of jury commissioners of Montgomery
county which he recently accepted at
my earnest request.
"It is my purpose to put the convict
department on strictly business
basis. Hence this appointment was in
no sense a political one, and was made
because | knew Mr.. Douglass was
splendidly equipped to discharge the
important duties OF the trust
IT am under obligations to Mr.. NJ
b. Wellborn, who at a personal sac
rifice patriotically consented to serve
temporarily. The work he has ac-
complshed will result in marked inn
provement in the business methods of
the convict department and will fur
pish an excellent basis for its complete
reorganization my Mr.. Douglass"