Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1920-02-25
BULL MOOSE
LEADER GETS
LANSING JOB
Polk Probably Will Retire,
Wiping Department
Slate Clean.

WASuNubtou, H0p' H"' 20
Colby OF New York, who was one
Of the leaders in the Progressive
Marty under Theodore Roosevelt,
will succeed Robert Lansing as Sec
retary of state. Announcement OF
his selection by President Wilson
was made today at the White house.
Polk Was Fav0rite.
The selection of Mr.. Colby came
as surprise, most officials assunf-
INK that Frank L. Polk, acting sec
retary, would be the presidents
choice. The first inkling that the
president was to appoint some one
outside of his Official family came
when Mr.. Colby visited the White
house early today in company with
Raymond T.. Baker, director OF the
mint.
Mr., Colby was taken to see the
president ON the south lawn and a
few minutes later the formal an
nouncement of his selection was
made. His nomination is expected
to be sent to the senate within a
day or two.
Has Been Tried.
This is not the first office Mr..
Colby has held under the presi-
dents administration. He was ap-
pointed member of the shipping
board and the emergency feet cor
poration in July. 1917. and also was
. member of the American mission
to the inter-allied shipping confer
ence Il Paris, in the same year. He
retired from the shipping board
moro thana year ago.
Mr. Colby was a life-long Repub-
llcan until the famous bull moose
bolt at the Chicago convention in
1912. He had been actively identi-
fed with the candidacy Of Theodore
Roosevelt for the Republican nomi-
nation for president that year and
was in charge of contests to seat
the revolving Republicans in the
Chicago convention.
Followed Roosevelt Out.
When Colonel Roosevelt bolted
the convention Mr.. Colby helped to
found the Progressive party and
was delegate to its Chicago con-
vention in 1912. He continued an
active leader in the party and in
1914 and again in 1916, he was a
Progressive candidate for senator
from New York state.
When Colonel Roosevelt threw
the weight of his influence to
Charles Evans Hughes in the 1916
presidential race Mr.. Colby identi-
he'd himself with the Democratic
party.
Mr.. Colby was born at st. Louis,
81 years ago and graduated from
Williams college, Massachusetts,
he spent one year at the Columbia
law school and has practiced law in
New York since 1892. He was a
member Of the New York assembly
In lso1-O2.
Surprised, But Silent.
News Of Mr.. Colby's selection was
received with unconcealed surprise
a.mong both Democrats and Repub-
ilcans In the senate. which will be
called upon to confirm his nomina-
uon. None of them, however, cared
10 venture any public expression OF
tne subject of confirmation.
Wnen Mr.. Colby was nominated
n lsl7 for membership on the
shipping board, his confirmation
vas accomplished only after a pro-
ionsed light. The commerce com.
m'ttee voted by a majority of one
70 report the nomination favorably
being understood at the time
.aN Senator Reed, Democrat. Mis-.
seuli, voted in the negative and
ma! Senator Johnson, Republican
uliornia, broke the tie.
stand Patters Oppose Him.
when the nomination came to the
senate floor, Senators Wadswortf
sno Calder, Of New York, the nomi
aees nome state. were understood
nave opposed confirmation anG
|" WI nave been supported on the rol
M oy most of the Republicans
sAin as IN the committee, the pro
sessive element was said to have
I.ud ned the tide, however, Senator.
oanson, Kenyon, Republican. Iowa
cs. su o'ners joining with the Demo,
a.se .ssoessibilities that the peace treaty
ce n. might have a bearing on fhs
s.sa.n.mation ~. developed from tn.
sns. mat Mr.. Colby, in recen'
heSnes Tor the League of Nations
=. oeen quoted as sharply criticiz
tSe. some senator's. particular,
sc.. s irreeoncilably opposing rati
Colby's nomination was SEN
j 0e senate late in the day.