Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1921-10-21
To Name Chairman
CONTINUED from PAGE One)

his telegram along with the rest Of
the history connected with the inter-
esting case when a proper. time for
such publicity shall have arrived.
For the present Mr.. Davies declines
nor Baxter.
Shelving of Mr. Davies comes as a
big surprise here in Portland and up
sets a statewide feeling which has
prevailed, that Governor Baxter
would Stick by this nomination till
the end Of his term unless his council
gave him better excuse for refusing
to confirm than it has in any of the
sessions which have been held. 1t
had even been watched with interest
from the standpoint that the make
up of the next council might depend
somewhat on the Davies situation, in
as far IS Governor Baxter. if renom-
mated next June could tie political
knots to prevent men hostile to Mr..
Davies candidacy being elected coun-
cillors.
At the time early this year when
Governor Baxter requested resigna-
ton of Chairman Cleaves of the Pub
lie Utilities Commission, and even
before Judge Cleaves had actually
rendered his resignation Governor
Baxter, meeting Mr.. Davies on the
street, sounded him out on what he
thought Of the fitness of a man for
such a position. what he thought Of
the duties of the position and kindred
matters. Mr.. Davies told Governor
Baxter that he thought it a rather
important question. one which would
take some thought to answer and
suggested that he write an answer
and send it to him. This he did. Up
to this time there had been no in
timation from Governor Baxter that
he intended to name Mr.. Davies.
Mr.. Davies views apparently coin
cided with those of Governor Baxter
for the Chief Executive, shortly after
Chairman Cleaves resigned, ANNOUNCE
ed that he should nominate Mr.. Da-
vies for the position. There was a
protest from those unfriendly to Mr..
Davies and it has been said that the
majority of the councillors advised
JONcIIOE 1odAltT l1ldI litN Woulu ltot
confirm Mr. Davies.
Governor Baxter was firm in his
opinion that he had made wise Sc
celtion and nominated Mr.. Davies.
The council refused to confirm. Gov
ernoX Baxter wished to make public
the councillors objections but they
We're not agreeable to this and, other
~ oh
have never been made known.
Again and again Governor Baxter
made Mr.. Davies his nominee and, as
often, the councillors turned him
down. Those who watch the trend of
such matters came to the conclusion
that there would be only two men,
bers of the Public Utilities board I'M
less the Council changed front. 1t
showed no sign of SO doing.
Recently Republican State Chair
man Robert ]. Peacock came to Port
land and waited upon Mr.. Davies.
The Public Utilities Commission
Craftsmanship was discussed. Mr..
Davies felt, considering the nature Of
the conversation that he had had
With MI. tdIOth lIiul IL "ouiu bc
well to have a talk with Governor
Baxter on the matter and he went to
Augusta. Mr.. Davies had in no way
been a candidate for the position as
far as interesting himself or his
friends in helping to further his NOM
ination or appointment, and he wish
ed no misunderstanding on Cover
povto,.'c ri r. hic yncitinn
At Augusta, he found that Mr.. Pea
cock had arrived before him and he
urged Mr.. Peacock to remain at
conference between himself and Gov
ernor Baxter. Mr. Peacock felt that
he didn't care to do that and excused
himself Mr.. Davies made his posi-
ton in the matter clear to Governor
Baxter, that he didn't care to have
the Governor embarrassed in the case
on his account and suggested if the
Governor outline a course of action
Mr.. Davies might consistently take,
it would be followed. Governor Bax-
ter was still OF a mind that Mr.. Da-
vies should be the nominee.
Thus the situation has remained for
timation that a change seemed to the
Governor to be for the best was
borne to him in the Governors tele-
gram from Bangor yesterday morn
ing. Governor Baxter was on his
way into Aroostook county, where,
if anywhere in the State, there is
supposed to be concentrated opposi-
fipy, RI him and ho q clnI
Immediately.
Councillor Powers OF Fort Fair
field, very much opposed to Mr.
Davies appointment. until definite
statements have been made, prob
ably will be credited with having
shown Governor Baxter that political
cxpediency demands a shift in the
appointment.
Whether the possibility of tie-up
of railroad traffic has had a measure
of influence in Governor Bakers at
titude as to the appointment is not
known but in his telegram to Mr..
Davies he mentioned that the people
of the State are in danger and it is
thought possible that the threatened
Public Utility trouble may have
bearing in the matter.
Ralph o. Brewster whose name is
mentioned in come elton with the
new appointment told the Express
today that he had had no intmation
from Governor Baxter that he might
be considered for the position. He
and the Governor have discussed the
position, in fact gone very thorough