Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-05-12
BATTLE EXPECTED
FOR ALIENS POST
AS Commissioner
McConihe, A. C. Smith, Seal
and Norman Mentioned
in Speculation.
SULTAN'S SUCCESSOR
ALSO TO BE NAMED
Names of 5 Army Engineers Are
Reported Given Roosevelt
for Consideration.

Speculation over the possible sue
cessors to Commissioner George E.
Allen and Dan I. Sultan ran through
District circles today In anticipation
of the change of complexion Of the
Board of Commissioners to take place
on or before September /.
The resignation yesterday Of Com
missioner Allen, who is to become a
vice president Of the Home Insurance
Co. of New York. sent new thrill Of
expectancy through the ranks OF Dis
trict government personnel, and like
wise aroused interest among political
leaders on Capitol Hill, who may have
an influence on the selection Of the
Districts second New Deal Board Of
Commissioners.
Melvin c. Hazen, now a septuase-
marian, will remain at the helm as
president of the Board of Commits
sioners, but he will have two new
colleagues on the board.
Before the resignation of Mr.. Allen
was announced President Roosevelt al
ready had made known he would ap-
point successor to Engineer COM
missioner Sultan within two or three
days. Col. Sultan is to 60 to Denver,
Colo, after the termination of his
four-year tour Of duty here early
in September.
Battle Expected for Post.
Within an hour after Mr.. Aliens
resignation had been accepted by the
President, informal talk was heard
OF his possible successors, indicating
there would be the customary battle
royal over the civilian post.
The name of Malcolm S. McConihe.
Democratic national committeeman for
the District, was one of the first
mentioned in this District Building
chatter. He was among the leading
candidates for the post in 1888 and
later for District postmaster.
The name of Elwood H. Seal, Dis
trlct corporation counsel, also was
brought into discussion. In this con-
nectlon it was suggested by some
influential Democrats that If Mr..
Seal were selected, the post Of cor
poratlon counsel might go to 10 v.
Morgan. now special assistant CORPORA
ton counsel, who has won promi-
nence with his handling of the Dis
tr1ct's new tax laws.
Others suggested for consideration
included John Norman, business lead
er; Arthur Clarendon Smith, a leader
IN the movement for self government
for the District: Thomas E. Lodge,
lawyer and former president of the
Federation of Citizens Associations.
and Luther R. Maddox, who has been
mentioned previously for the post of
peoples counsel, which has been va
cant since the resignation about two
years ago of William A. Roberts.
/ Reports Engineers Listed.
Meanwhile, there were reports that
nve names of Army engineers had
been selected for final consideration
by President Roosevelt for the sue
cessor to Col Sultan. It is suggested
that this list likely includes the names
OF three former assistant District en-
glneer commissioners: 1t. Col. Raw
mond Wheeler. now resident engineer
here with the Board of Engineers for
Rivers and Harbors, one of the vital
agencies OF the War Department: Lit
Col. William E. r. Covell, who plaved
an important part in the disposition
OF the s6,o00,o00 impounded fund of
tne Potomac Electric Power Co.. in
a settlement of its old rate case. and
1t. Col. Donald Dawson, who served
for a period as acting District Enpi.
neer Commissioner.
Praise for the ability and work If
Mr.. Allen was voiced promptly bv
commissioners Hazen and Sultan when
theg learned of his resignation.
Regretted by Hazen.
commissioner Hazen said: IT regret
very deeply that George Allen is In
leave the District service. Our asso.
cation has been very happy. He has
mad very difficult problems to solye
particularly in regard to relief and "
+. A. and has come through with COL
ors hying. His continual good nature
mas served as a balance wheel And
made our associations peaceful and
happy"
Col. Sultan said: II wish George
Allen the very best of good wishes He
Is most lovable type of person and
won my very deep respect for his sbi,-
lty to handle the intricate problems of
relief, public welfare and the w. A"
Mr.. Allen said he likely would give
up his position as vice chairman of the
Democratic Central Committee for the
District, although he plans to main
TAIN his residence here. He said he
likely would spend much of his time
IN New York in connection with his
new Job.