The Washington times., 1919-11-27
CAPT. OYSTER
BOOMEDFOR
CIVIC BERTH
Friends Would Have Former
Nominee Take Post of w.
Gwynn Gardner.
BY BILL PRICE.

Strong influences have added the
name Of Capt. James F. oyster to the
list OF names before President VIII
son for the District Commits sionership
vacancy.
This fact will be of unusual inter-
est In Washington, not only because
Of the Affection and esteem in which
Captain Oyster Is generally held By
the people of the community, but be-
rause OF well-known incidents tina.
prevented his becoming Commissioner
seven years ago
The best information available to-
day is that President Wilson has not
vet selected a man for Commissioner.
although his acceptance of the resig-
nation OF w. Gwynn Gardiner was re-
garded by some as possible fore
runner to his sending to the Senate,
early next week, nomination to liIl
the vacancy. The Presidents action
to have been due to Mr.. GARDENERS
repeatedly expressed wish to return
to his Law practice.
The President understands that
there Is no necessary rush about
naming a Commissioner, although the
interests OF the public would be best
served in doing so promptly. particu-
larry In view OF public utility prob
lens constantly arising before the
Public Utilities Commission, some of
which might fail of decision IL two
Commissioners were unable to agree.
This does not seem likely though,
owing to the fact that Commissioners
Brownlow and kutz work harmon
isusiy together on all questions.
The Case Of Captain Oyster.
- L. Ls-lx
Captain Oyster once before figured IS
remembered by his friends. who have
always felt that he was a victim %
q political situation that was unusual
IL not unfair. The terms of office of
Cuno H Rudolph and Gen. John A.
Johnson, rs Commissioners, both ex
pired in July. 1912. President Tart
delayed action for a long time. NJ.
Rudolph was willing to accept ano-a-
er nomination, but General Johnsca
was not. Early in 1913. after Mr.
Wilson had been elected President In
the November preceding, Mr.. Tat
sent to the Senate the nominations 81
Ar. Rudolph and James F. Oyster
for the vacancies. Mr.. Taft knew that
the Democrats. then in control of tie
Senate, were disposed to hold-up all
nominations until after Mr.. Wilson
came into office, but he thought that
~ Captain oyster was a Democrs.i, /,
his party would confirm the nomina-
tion- The Democratic Senate wouls
not act upon either nomination, and
Captain Oysters ambition to be CON-
missioner failed, through no fault oi
his own.
President Wilson, some months af-
ter being sworn In. nominated Oliver
p. Newman for that bacancy, and
later named Frederick l. Siddons. now
an associate justice of the District
Supreme Court. for the position held
BY Mr.. Rudolph. who is a Republican
and who did not expect to retain his
position under . Democratic Admin
Iotrztion.
Although Captain Oyster is DEM
crat. and has contributed to the cam
pAign funds Of that party. his Con-
gressional friends of the oppos te
faith have q high regard for him.
Situation May De Reversed.
30 the situation that formerly ex-
ioted may be reversed. Captain Oys-
ter, q Democrat. once refused con-
hrmation BY his own party because he
was nominated by Republican Presi-
dent. may be nominated by q Demo-
cratic President and confirmed by
Republican Senate.
OF course, there r. admittedly con-
siderable speculation in this, although