Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 February 1909 — Bar Against Knox Is Removed. [ARTICLE]

Bar Against Knox Is Removed.

The Senate bill providing for the decreasing of the salary of the Secretary of State from $12,000 to SB,OOO in order to remove the constitutional disability which prohibits the appointment of Senator Philander C. Knox to the premiership of Taft’s cabinet was passed by the House Monday by a vote of 173 to 117. Eight representatives present did not vote. The bill had passed the Senate without a dissenting vote. There was a great deal of argument over the bill in the House. Both republicans and democrats argued pro and con. Tbe republican leaders will use all their influence to induce Senator Knox to accept the position he has been induced to accept by President-Elect Taft. It is n,ot know how the attitude of the House in the matter will affect Mr. Knox.’s action. Mr. Knox had voted to increase the salary of Secretary of State and it is contrary to the constituion for a public official to benefit from an increase in salary which he helped create. This provision of the constitution was complied with by reducing the salary of Secretary of State to what it was formerly. At this salary,, the assistant) secretary will receive more pay than the secretary.