Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1915-06-24
IS NOT A POLITICIAN
New Incumbent Has No POliti-
cal Backing or Influence, but
Is Familiar with State Depart
mert Organization, and For
eign Problems.

Washington. June q Robert Lansing
to-day was selected as secretary Of state
by President Wilson. He accepted le-
liately
MI Lansing. who is a son-in-law of
Former Secretary of state John w.
Poster. hccame counsellor of the state
department on the retirement Of John
Bassett Moore and has been openly re
sarded as President Wilson'S manstay
bn questions of international law in all
he difficult proceedings which have
been thrust upon the United States by
he European war. 1t is a matter Of COM
non remark in WASHINGTON that he has
commanded the respect and admiration
f the foreign chancclleries here to a
marked degree.
Mr Lansine's home Is in Watcrtown.
Y. Y. and he is just past - Years old.
fince 1873 he has practiced law and began
is first diplomatic work for the United
tates In 1892 when he became counsel
or the United StaA~ in the Rel-ng sea
rbitration. soon afterwards he became
ounsel for tho United States Behring
ea claims commission and following that
'as counsellor for the Alaskan boundary
ibunal. In 100 he became counsel in
he North Atlantic coast fisheries at Tho
laGue
His last work before becoming coun-
llor for the state department was as
gent for the United States i'm the Anglo
merican claims arbitration. He was
aduated from Amherst College. Only
'sterday he received an honorary de-
'eo at Colgate University. His writings
international la0 have attracted wide
1ep inn bo.
'ciate editor of the American Journal
International law.
Mr.. Lansing has shown very little inter-
in politics and at one time there seem
to he some doubt among the Prcsi-
nt's advisers if it would not bo neces-
ry to select man who was more
ointment and probably had performed
eater service for his party From the
st. however practically all members
the cabinet have been in favor Of Mr.
nsinss selection and it is understood
at the President took the view that the
paclty of the man was more to be con-
Tered at this iuncture of International
Fairs than any other consideration.
hen Congress meets his nomination
II have to be submitted to the Senate
confirmation in the regular way
CABINET PLEASED.
Few appointments in recent years have
Een such Widespread satisfaction in
national capital Mr.. Lansing is a
flong democrat. but he has devoted his
ne to international law and diplomacy
d is as popular with former republican
icials AS with his colleagues Members
the cabinet who talked with the Preei-
b. were unanimous in their recon-
ndation that he should he appointed.
!. f.. NJ. House and other close per-
lal friends Of the President advised
selection, and Nr. Bryan himself.
houGh not consulted Is understood to
vc hpoed for the promotion Of Mr..
nsing
'nicial announcement Of the selection
Mr.. Lansing was made in the follow
statement issued from the White
use:
Before leaving this evening for bries
in New HAMPSHIRE the President
nounced that he had offered the post
secretary Of state to Robert Lansing
present counsellor Of the department
state, and that Mr.. Lansing ha1 ac-
ted the appointment"
commission was prepared which Pres
It Wilson signed Tonight giving Mr.
sng a recess appointment. When
gress rcconVeues, the nominltion will
to the senate No opposition TO his
hrmation is ANTICIPATED.
NOT \ POLITICIAN.
r, Lansing personally has no political
king or INFLUENCE Succeeding Will |
j. Bryan, comparatively unknown |
ntity IN the political world has been |
H., i>;
rms indeed, commended itself to
PRESIDENT advisers as reason for
appointment OF = man Of Mr.. Lam