Just Away On A Vacation

Is the Way Judge Kinne Explains Washington Trip

HAGUE APPOINTMENT

Is Yet a Matter of Uncertainty Says the Judge--Hank Smith Quite Talkative

Judge Kinne returned to Ann Arbor Friday, after spending a week in Washington, but it was purely a social visit, he says. Politics had no part in influencing him to take the trip.

When asked about the appointment to the Hague, which it is said was tendered him by the President, and its possible connection with the recent trip to the national capital, Judge Kinne said:

"People seem to have the idea that I went to Washington on account of this appointment, but I didn't. I wouldn't go to Washington for politics alone, for all the offices in Christendom. Mrs. Kinne and I have a number of friends there, and it is our custom to visit the city quite often. We spent a part of our time in Virginia, where we visited Paul Kessler, the dramatist, who transcribed 'When Knighthood Was in Flower,' for Julia Marlowe. And, by the way, this visit was of particular interest because Mr. Kessler owns and occupies the residence that George Washington built for his favorited stepdaughter, Nellie Custis, at a cost of $50,000.

"Yes, the position of minister at the Hague is a pleasant one," said Mr. Kinne, again returning to the former subject. "I understand that Pres. Angell told a friend of mine something of the duties of a former Hague minister. After rising in the morning the gentleman was accustomed to eat an orange, and later in the day he would take some other refreshments, and this, as he remembered it, was the principal duty connected with the office."

"Seriously, of course," continued the Judge, "this is a great exaggeration, but after all the position is a very pleasant one to hold."

"Do you wish it to be understood that there is nothing further to give out in regard to your appointment?"

"Nothing at present," replied the Judge. "I have had a pleasant vacation, and on Monday I shall open court as usual. An appointment like this hinges on two things; first, whether the man wants the position, and second, whether the government wants the man to fill the position, and at present both these matters are in doubt. The expense of maintaining the dignity of such an office is quite an item, and I don't feel inclined to work hard for it myself. Of course, if it was offered to me the matter might be different."

"It is reported that Congressman Smith said that the appointment rests entirely on your own inclination," was suggested.

"Yes, Mr. Smith says a great many things," was the reply. "Mr. Smith is a great friend of mine, but he does like to talk."