The Washington times., 1919-10-27
SUCCESSOR TO
GARD|NERN0T
AT ALL LIKELY
Commissioner win Not Press
Resignation In View Of Presi.
dents Illness.
By BILL PRICE.

Careful investigation today does not
bear out a number of stories sfloat
that the President is about to nomi-
Gardiner, who. months ago, in per-
sonaI conference. asked the President
20 hnd so ne other man for the posi-
tion at the latters earliest opportu-
nifty. and later repeating his request
In a letter.
Mr., Gardiner has had no thought
of renewing his request since the re-
turn OF the President. Ill. from the
Western trtp. Although he had ex-
oeeted to have resumed his law prae-
tiee long before this, Mr.. Gardiner
aow would not press his desires at
the White House. and will heartily
soide by the policy of the Presidents
physicians and advisers that no busi-
ness be referred TO the Chief Execu-
tive except that which Is imperatively
argent.
Despite President wilson's illness.
he might at any time direct the nom
ination OF Commissioner, having
had ssveral conferences on the sub
ject before he went West. and UNDER
standing the local situation But the
opinion prevails that he will not act
until bis advisers feel he is well on
the road TO recovery. and Is able to
take up problems Of all kinds.
Ne Need To Harry.
There is no urgent necessity that
the President shall make the Com
nissionership any more special than
many other nominations awaiting his
attention, and Secretary Tumulty Is
determined that the President shall
not be bothered except with the
weightlest of national problems. As
things look today, IL may be o number
OF months before the President acts
on this matter. This Is practically
certain, unless he had virtually de-
eided upon a man before he went
Vest. and 10 prepared to dispose of
the matter now without awaiting
other Recommendations. -
Upon Secretary Tumulty has fallen
enormous responsibilities and bur-
dens since the President became Ill,
and he 10 showing, as always. q re-
markabic capacity for standing up
lnder these burdens and tactfully
meeting responsibilities thrust upon
him He has indicated that unless the
President insists upon the papers In
the District Commissionership, he will
tive fox a long time.
In view OF the known methods OF
the President in disposing OF public
business. when well enough to give
them his full attention. IL Is officially
limited as unlikely that the President
has reached any conclusion as TO
successor TO Mr.. Gardiner, despite
numerous reports naming men who
may be honored. Much interest has
- -
has selected the Rev. John Van
Sehaick. chairman of the Board of
Education. There are many weil-in-
formed people who believe that Mr..
Van Schaick stands an excellent
chance of being the next nominee for
Commissioner, but these same people
are confident the President has not
tsdniteiy decided upon anyone.
Never Gives Out Hints.
IL has never been the Presidents
custom to give advance intimations on
n0ninationa He keeps an open mind
On all such things to the last minute.
After returning from abroad. and
prior to his Western trip, the Presi-
dent had little time to give to the
eommissionerShip. He saw Commits
sioner Gardiner, who urged his desire
to retire from Office. and received a
committee from the Federation Of
Citizens Associations. which present
Cd resolutions that he consider the
names of former prssidents OF that
organization along with that of the
present head OF the Organization. W.
b Westlake. The facts submitted by
the committee appeared to impress
the President. but he did not commit
hinlseif m any way. He IL understood
20 nave had just a few words on the
saoject with several other callers, but
y Is known that since his return the
matter mas not been mentioned by
hlm 10 any one. or by any one to him.
There are ON hle at the white House
n number OF recommendation OF we'll
known citizens. with information set
ing forth their particular qualifca-
lions for Commissioner. The Presi-
lent may or may not go into these
when he does get ready to make a
domination. Included in these ara the
.iews OF the Federation OF CItlZ,,
Assoeistions. which is hopeful that the
resident may recognize the inn
pertant civic work OF that orxaniz,-
lion and its special functions in rem
-esenting the public generally in All
matters related 10 the municipal gov
crnment