The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1913-06-28

| Will wage fight
CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE.
years. They said that his name is not m
the present city directory. and was not
in that of 1910 and 1912. 1t did appear
in the one of 1911. They likewise stated
that his name for the first time made its
appearance In the telephone directory sew
eral days ago. when a new one was Is
sued. They also declared that during tire
past three years Mr.. Newman had spent
much of his time cut Of the city.
Attorney Generals Opinion.
The point of ineligibility was brought
to the attention of President Wilson some
time ago when the appointments were
under consideration. and the matter was
referred to the Attorney General for an
opinion, with the result that a decision
was rendered to the effect that the news
paper man was fully qualified to serve as
commissioner.
Mr.. Neale stated last night that he
and his brother Democrats were ready
to fight this opinion. and, IL necessary
to file in the courts a writ of quo war
ranto or some similar writ for the final
determination OF the point at issue by the
tribunals
Plans for a big mass meeting were dis
cussed, and Monday night was set for
the date of 1t. The place will be an
nounced today. Prominent Democrats
will be asked to address the meeting. A
formal petition will be drawn up. pro-
testing against the confirmation OF Mr..
Newman, for presentation to the Senate
District Committee.
Means Political Death.
1--WE realize that politically we are cut
ting our Threats in opposing this appoint
ment of the President" said Mr.. Neale.
but a big issue is at stake, and We are
willing to make the necessary sacrifice.
The question is one of whether the peo-
pie Of the District are to permit a nom
taxpayer, a total stranger, and an I'M
qualified man. technically. to rule over
them. This is a question which affects
every resident Of the District. and every
taxpayer should rise in his indignation
and demand OF the Senate that this APP
pointment be turned down"
I'm appointing Mr.. Newman, President
Wilson is violating one of the provisions
of the sacred Baltimore PLATFORM, said
Bernard G. Brown. another one Of the
prominent leaders in the opposition
movement THE platform states specifi-
cally that all persons appointed TO Office
in the Territories of the United States.
including the District of Columbia, shall
be bona fde residents of those terri
tories. 1t is evident that Mr.. Newman
is not a bona fide resident of the Dis
trict, and as President Wilson is SO par
ticular in adhering strictly to the terms
of that compact, 1t seems surprising that
he should apparently violate 1t in vital
question affecting the interests of the
people of the Nations Capital"
Among the Democrats who attended
the preliminary meeting were Mr.. Neale.
Mr.. Brown, Edward Mitchell, Samuel w.
Cockrell, James H. England, John G.
Campbell, James NJ. Wood. and others.
No Personal Objection.
I'VE have absolutely no complaint
against Mr.. Newman personally said
Mr.. Neale. I'VE accept without question
that he is a very capable man, or else
President Wilson would not have selected
him. Our sole objection is that he is
ineligible. because of the shortness and
irregularity of his residence in the Dis
trfct. The opposition is confined exclu-
sively to Mr.. Newman. Our hearty in
dorsement is given to Frederick L. Sid
dons, the other appointee, who has long
been a loyal and active Democrat. and
who is excellently qualified for the posi-
ton"
Newman was fired last night by Col
Charles C. Lancaster, a local lawyer and
Democrat. and a prominent civic worker.
1t is likely that Col. Lancaster will circu-
late a petition for formal presentation
to the Senate District Committee.
Il am reliably informed" said Mr.
Lancaster, that one of the two ap-
pointees, Oliver P. Newman. is not an
actual resident of the District and. there
fore, fails to qualify under the require
ment of section 19 Of the act of June
II, 1878.
II understand Mr.. Newman is not a
taxpayer, and has not had a permanent
home or occupation in the District for
the past three years or more. l have
been advised that his occupation has
been that of a news writer with rowing
commission
IF this be true, 1t is evident that the
President has been misled as to his legal
qualifications for this local ard respon-
sible position, and ii becomes the solemn
and patriotic duty of the people of the
District to rectify this error by protest, |
and to petition the Senate of the United
Safes to investigate carefully this stat
utOry manQdte Oh BONA noe residence TO
the end that this organic act may not be ]
violated, either in letter or spirit. |
Col. Lancaster Opposed.
$50 far as Mr.. Newman's personality
in the District is concerned, he is an up-
known quantity, and If we had an cleo
ton here seriously doubt IL he could be
elected Justice Of the peace. The selec-
ton of the chief executive officers of the
District is matter of vital interest to
every resident of the Capital, and 1t is
for that reason that I have voiced my
opposition to one of these nominees"
1t is probable that action by the Senate
District Committee respecting the con-
firmation viii be delayed until after the
Democratic caucus has completed its con-
sideration Of the tariff bill. This will be |
the latter part of next week. No oppo-
sition to Mr.. Siddons has yet become |
manifest. 1t Is believed generally that he |
will be confirmed without the slightest
difficulty.
John F. Costello, national committees
man from the District said last night |