W.G M'LAREN GETS JOB VACATED BY TODD

As Predicted In Times Week Ago, Capable First Assistant Succeeds to Head of Attorney's Office.

JUDGE HANFORD GIVES USUAL OATH OF OFFICE

Few Changes Expected in Office - Incumbent Has Risen Rapidly in Chosen Profession During Last Few Years

William G. McLaren yesterday was appointed by Judge Cornelius H. Hanford of the United States district court to the office of United States attorney for the Western district of Washington, succeeding Elmer E. Todd, resigned.  The appointment was made at the request of Attorney-General Wickersham, and will hold in effect until President Taft sends to Congress the name of his successor.
Although the fact that Attorney McLaren was to be named was forecasted in The Times last Sunday, not until yesterday, when word was received from the national capitol finally accepting Mr. Todd's resignation, did the appointment become official.
In the telegram apprising the local office of its acceptance, the attorney-general officially expressed deep regret that Mr. Todd could not consent to hold the office again.  The message was both a tribute to the former United States attorney and an expression of confidence in his successor, who was recommended by Mr. Todd for the temporary appointment.
Immediately following the announcement in court by Mr.. Todd that his resignation had been accepted, Judge Hanford administered the oath of office to Attorney McLaren, and the latter assumed charge of the affairs of the office, of which he has been temporarily in charge since Mr. Todd severed his government connection April 30.
W. G. McLaren has risen successively from the position of second assistant district attorney to the head of the office, being first appointed an assistant by Attorney Todd in 1908, and becoming chief assistant in January of this year.
Prior to his appointment he had been city attorney of Everett for four years, coming to that city from Iowa in 1902 and making a remarkable legal record while there.  As city attorney he fought the recall provision to the city charter through to the supreme court of the state, winning his case and establishing a precedent.
After coming to Seattle in 1910 he became associated with the firm of Shorett, McLaren & Shorett, and engaged in condemnation suits undertaken by Duwamish waterway commissioners in the south end.  He has also handled practically all of the civil work of the district attorney's office under Mr. Todd's direction.
Mr. McLaren is a graduate of Grinnell College in Iowa, and holds a Phi Beta Kappa key for scholarship while an undergraduate.  He was married in Everett two years ago.
Under Attorney McLaren's direction, the government this week will begin the presentation of cases to the federal grand jury, which will convene for the May term of court.  At the same time he will undertake the prosecution of those cases scheduled on the federal criminal calendar, many of which are of considerable importance.
Attorney McLaren has not as yet announced any changes in the personnel of his office.  Louis E. Shela will continue as second assistant and C. W. McKercher as chief clerk.  His successor as first assistant has not yet been named..