Bisbee daily review., 1921-07-01
NOMINATION IS
APPROVED AFTER
BITTER DEBATE
Hiram Johnson Brands Nom
ination Of Former Pres
ident Purely Political
3 OTHERS JOIN FIGHT
California Senator Charges
Nominee Lacks Experience
To Fill New Position
3 OTHERS JOIN FIGHT

WASHINGTON. June 30 Former
President William Howard TAFT was
nominated late today by President
Harding TO be CHIEF justice OF the
United States and his nomination
was confirmed by the senate in ex-
ecrtive session
The nomination was not confirmed
without opposition however. and a
roll call was demanded The oppo-
sition was understood to have been
voiced by Senators Borah. Idaho:
Johnson. California. and La Toilette.
Wisconsin. all Republicans. who were
said To have criticized Taft's record
and his nomination
On the roll call however. only four
votes were cast against the confirma-
tion. These were bv Senators Borah.
Johnson and Ia Toilette and Senator
Watson. Democrat. Georgia.
The final vote was so to T. An
agreement was reached not to- make
pHhlic the roll call.
The senate's doors were closed for
discussion of the nomination after
suggestions that Taft be confirmed
in open executive" session. because
he is a former president. had been re-
jected by his opponents.
SeHdlOTS fbOTdn ana Johnson tel
the fight on the floor in opposition
tn Taft. while he was defended by
about a dozen senators. including
Knox, of Pennsylvania; Kellogg. OF
Minnesota. and Willis. of Ohio. Re
publicans. and Underwood. OF Alabs-
ma. minority leader. Smith. of South
Carolina: Overman, OF North Carroll
ma. and Broussard, of Louisiana. DEM
Ocrats
Senators Borah and Johnson were
understood to have centered their
fight on Taft's legal training. expert
ence and qualifications. According
Ia reports filtering out from the sen
ate chamber, Senator Johnson was
said to have declared that Taft's aP-
pointment was purely political"
similar charge. il was reported. was
made by Senator Borah.
Senator Johnson. it was stated. as
serted that Taft had not regarded
himself as a lawyer but as a politi-
clan and had abandoned" his profes-
sion after leaving the White House.
The California senator, il was report
ed. said that he had tried To disre-
gard personal objections to the NOM
inee and was yoicing his opposition
solely because Taft had lacked. FOR
nearly a generation or more, any ie-
gal experience which would fit him
for the highest judicial post of the
nation.
Ambition Gratified
MONTREAL. June 30. 1T has
been the ambition of my life To oe
chief Justice" William II. TAFT de-
clared tonight. but now that II l.
graf f,ed Il etremble to think whether
| can worthily fill the position ana
be usefu! to the country"
Il have received kilograms an
nouncing that the president has nom
mated me to be chief justice OF the
I United States and that the senate at
! once confirmed the nomination. said
| Taft in a signed statement, comment
ing on his appointment as chief JUS
tice.
Il am profoundly greatful To tho
| president for the confidence he has
/ thus shown that | can discharge IL
/ important duties of the exalted Of
/ flee. In sincerely hope and pf.-y that
! | may be able to show that mis- con
| fidence has not been misplaced. |
! highly appreciate the immediate con
firmation by the senate.