The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1915-06-24
Former Counselor Becomes
Wilson's Secretary
Of State
HIS SELECTION GIVES
MUCH SATISFACTION
He Is Regarded as Mainstay
of Wilson on Interna-
tional Law

Washington, June 24.-Robert Lar
sing yesterday was selected assecretar
of state by Presidest Wilson. He &C
cepted Immediately.
/ Mr.. Lansing, who is a son-in-law o
former Secretary OF State John w. Eos
ter, became counsellor of the state de
partment on the retirement of John Bias
sett Moore and has been openly regard
ed as President Wilson's mainstay OIL
questions of international law in all tn
difficult proceedings which have beer
thrust upon the United States by tn,
European war. Ii is a matter of com
mon remark in Washington that he hal
commanded the respect and admiration
of the foreign chancelleries here to 6
marked degree.
Mr.. Lansing's home is in WATERFOWL
n. y, and he is just past so years old
Since 1880 he has practiced law and be-
gan his first diplomatic work for the
United States in 1892, when he became
counsel for the United States in the Beh-
ring sea arbitration. Soon afterwards
he became counsel for the United States
Behring sea claims commission and fol-
lowing that was counsellor for the Alas
kan boundary tribunal. In 1909 he be-
came counsel in the North Atlantic coast
fisheries at The Hague.
His last work before becoming coun-
sellor for the state department was as
agent for the United States in the An
gfo- American claims arbitration. He
was graduated from Amherst college.
Only Tuesday he received an honorary
degree at Colgate university. His writ
ings on international law have attract
ed wide attention. Since 1902 he has
been an associate editor of the Ameri
can Journal of international Law.
Mr.. Lansing has shown very little in
terest in politics and at one time there
seemed to be some doubt among the
presidents advisers if it would not be
necessary to select man who was more
prominent and probably had performed
greater service for his party. From the
first, however, practically all members
of the cabinet have been in favor of Mr..
Lansin2's selection and il is understood
that the president took the view that
the capacity of the man was more to be
considered at this iuncture of interna-
tional affairs than any other considera-
ton. When Congress meets his nomi-
nation will have TO be submitted 10 the
Senate for confirmation in the regular
way.
Few appointments in recent years have
given such widespread satisfaction in
the national capital Mr. lansing is a
lifelong Democrat, but he has devoted
his time to international law and diplo-
macy and is as popular with former Re-
publican officials as with his colleagues.
of the cabinet who talked with
the president were unanimous in their
that he should be- APP
pointed. Col +. NJ. House and other |
close personal friends Of the president |
advised the selection, and Mr.. Bryan
himself, although not consulted, is UNI
lerstood TO have hoped for the promotion
IF Mr.. Lansing.
Official announcement OF the selection
II Mr.. Lansing was made in the follow
ng statement issued from the White
House:
Before leaving this evening for a
lrief rest in New Hampshire the presi-
lent announced that he had offered the
,ost of secretary Of state 90 Robert /
Ansing, the present counsellor Of the
department. Of state. and that Mr.. Lans-
NC had accepted the appointment"
A commission was prepared which
resident Wilson signed last night, Civ
nc Mr.. Lansing a recess appointment.
When Congress reconyenes, the nomina-
ion will 20 10 the senate. No opposi-
ion 10 his confirmation Is anticipated.
Mr.. Lansing personally has no politi-
Al backing or influence. Succeeding VII
lam J. Bryan. = comparatively unknown
vanity in the political world has been
shered into the premiership Of the cabi.
Il. This, indeed. commended itself q
he presidents advisers ~ = reason for
he appointment OF \ man Of Mr.. Ian
ing's experience and ability. the srcu-
rent being advanced that az a time -
ritical in the nations history. the peo-
u Of the United STATES wished Ell %
tical consideration suhordinated. Mr.
ansing takes oficp thoroughly familiar
18th the personnel and organization ~
be- department. Of state. conFersatlt With
1nhdentiai details II the important ne
citations condurted since TIE Niis0n
ADMINISTRATION began and has vide .
nouiedee II policies under previous "A
Illustrations and o. especially intimate
gus intanrs With Msaiean sni far east
n problems