Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-03-04

Department of Justice and the White
House, it was learned today, before
Mr., Brands name was sent to the
Senate, and Mrs. Brand, at the home,
gave assurances that such an APP
polntment would be acceptable.
Adams Asked Withdrawal.
1t developed today that Mr.. Adams
decided himself to have his name elm
mated as a member of the new Public
Utilities Commission. Realizing that
the Senate would not confirm his
nomination, Mr.. Adams notified Presi-
dent Coolidge last night that he would
like to withdraw in the interest of the
public's welfare, thus insuring con-
firmation Of the other commissioners.
He obtained his first intimation that
there was objection to his nomination
when he read yesterdays Star.
President Coolidge would not ac-
cede to this proposition, it was learned
in authoritative sources, until he had
satisfied himself there was no other
recourse. 1t is known that the Presi-
dent did not decide upon Mr.. Adams
successor on the new board until late
last night, after he had been in close
conference with Attorney General
Sargent.
1t was emphasized today by those
familiar with the action of the Senate
District committee in requesting the
President to withdraw Mr. Adams
name that the committee had found
no charge against Mr.. Adams or any
thing derogatorv to his reputation. al
though careful review was made
of his record.
The sole reason for requesting the
President to withdraw his name was
the fact that the committee felt, II
was stated today, that Mr.. Adams
lacked the training and experience
held necessary for member OF the
newly created Public Utilities Com
mission. Members of the committee
were emphatic in declaring that Mr..
Adams personal character and his
business record were unblemished
but that in the haste and uncertainty
of the closing hours of Congress it be-
came apparent that objection would
be made by the Senate when his name
was formally placed before it for ap-
prevail.
This objection. 1t was stated. was
to be based on his lack Of experience
in public utility matters, and mem
bers of the committee thought 1t best
to safeguard all appointments by
withdrawing one which might tie the
matter up and thereby spoil the
chances for a new Public Utilities
Commission for this District until the
next session of Congress,
Adams i'm Dark on Moves.
Mr.. Adams himself declined to com
ment on the withdrawal of his name
when interviewed at his residence,
beyond saying:
in fn
what information was developed at
the Capitol to cause objection in
some circles to my appointment on
the commission. | know of no reason
why objection should be raised by
any one.
THE first intimation | had that my
name might be withdrawn was when
1 read last nights Star
Harrison Brand, jr.. the new COM
missioner is 80 years old. having been
born August "a 1891. at lion, II. Y,
where he received his early education
and graduated from the high school.
He attended Ohio University and re-
ceived an appointment to West Point,
from which he was graduated In 1918.
Ranking high in his class, he was COM
missoned a second lieutenant in the
Corps of Engineers, and served
throughout the World War as in
structor at various training camps and
finally with the general staff here in
Washington.
When the war broke out he was sta
toned as instructor at Camp Ameri-
can University in this city and later
was transferred to various posts. in
Guiding Camp Lee Va. and Camp For.
rest. Ga. before being brought back
to the Capital for duty with the gen
eral staff.
Lived While on Coast.
Following the war. he was trans
ferred TO Los Angeles for duty on
rivers and harbors work. While 10.
Gated there he resigned from the Army
and went into the law office of a promi-
nent firm in that city. In the mean
time, he had married Ill 1917 Miss
Helen McCumber. daughter Of former
Senator McCumber OF North Dakota.
and the family lived at Pasadena while
he was with the law firm in Los An
geles for two years. In 1922 he moved
to Washington and entered the law
office of his father-in-iaW. continuing
the study of law, and later was adj
mitted to the bar of the District. He
is now a. member of the law firm of
McCumber & Brand. with offices in
the Investment Building, specializing
in tag and tariff cases.
During his career in the Army Mr.
Brand was promoted from the rank
of second lieutenant to the war rank
OF lieutenant colonel, and had he re-
manned in the regular service. would
have continued with the rank of ma
ior. Following his resignation from
the regular service, however, Mr..
Brand entered the reserves, and Is
now active in this branch of the
service, holding the rank of lieutenant
colonel of the 343rd Reserve Regiment
with headquarters in Washington.
Will Return Sunday.
MIR. Brand has lived in this city now
for more than five years. bringing him
within that requisite of the law for
appointment to his new post. He is Il
member of the Washington Chamber
Of Commerce., the Chevy Chase Club
and the Racquet Club. He is Mason.
belonging to the South Gate Lodge, at
Los Angeles and an associate member
of the American Society of Civil En-
sineers. lie is vice president of the
Society of American Military Engi-
neers.
Mr.. and Mrs Brand have one son,
Harrison Brand. 3D..
The new commissioner will be back
in Washington Sunday. Mrs. Brand
sent him Geographic notification of
his appointment this morning, but up
to an early hour today had not heard
in reply of any change in his plans
for returning sunday.
/ Brand Quickly Confirmed.
The nomination of Col Brand and
his confirmation. together with the
confirmation of Mr.. Fleharty and Mr..
rxsift Il i'm