American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-12-05
From the ST, Louis Rcveillp.
II u N L IN G AN OF F &c E
BIZ JOE MILLER, JR.


II was sad day in Snooksville. Old Seth
Smith, the Postmaster, had been taken with
an apoplctic fit. Every one felt sorrowful-
yet there were general guesses as to who would
be his successor The merits of the supposed
candidates were duly canvassed; but most peo-
pie thought that old Ma'am Smith, Seth's wife
that was-hs widow she would be-ought to
have it. Peleg Pap did not agree with this
''had'nt he fought and toiled for the party2
and what had Ma Jam Smith done? Nothngi
and should fat Office like that-Ohe Post
masters receipts for the last year had reached
ten dollars, and business was increasingly
should an office like that be given to woman,
who never was delegate and didn't know
how to eleetioneer? "Justice," thought Pc
leg-"iustce forbids" The die was cast
Peeg determined to apply for the Office, start
Immediately for Washington, and settle the
business at once 1t was true old Seth was
not yet dead-but people always died if apo
plexy seized them, and therefore, it was best
to secure the first chance. There was one diff
ficulty which bothered him considerably; where
was his petition, and who would sign a recon-
mendatoni The petition he could draw him
self, but the signers-there was the Iub-no
one would sign his recommendation until Seth
was dead and many would refuse until he was
buried; and yet there was no time to be lost
But good politician is prepared for every
emergency. Pap searched his portfolio
There he found, in one corner, the very thing
he wanted-an old petition to the head Bur
CESS TO have the lamp-post removed to which
Pap had himself obtained the signatures OF the
leaders of the party, and some of the best men
of the opposition. The petition was useless,
the lamp post having been removed by strong
March wind in very summary manner. But
the signatures were Just as good as ever. 1t
required but moments consideration, and, by
brilliant naneuvre, Peleg detached the pa
per containing the signatures from tine petition,
waiered them to his own, seized his carpet-bag
and umbrella, and travelled.
Arrived at Washington, Peeg jumped in a
hack, and was rapidly driven to the Post-oifice
department. Unfortunately the Postmaster
had Just gone out to the executive mansion to
attend cabinet council. To the White
House Peeg proceeded, hoping to nail the
President and Postmaster General at once
The cabinet conference was long. After anus
ing himself for five hours in examining the fur
nture of the Presidents House, pairing his
nails, and lolng on the ottomans, Mr.. Pap
was informed by servant that the President
would see no one on business that day, the
just UIOhtH Inc Ucht
morning he was early at the General Post
office, but was informed that the Postmaster
General, together with the President and ca
bnet, had gone on an excursion down the Po-
tomac to Mount Vernon; so that there would
be no opportunity of making his application
The next day he was informed at the depart
ment that the Postmaster General could be
seen in his private Office. His name and bu-
sness was required by the usher, when he was
informed by the official that if he would pre-.
sent his papers he would be granted an inter.
view by the head of the department in his turn
there were already six hundred and thirty
seven applicants for various situations, who
had the preference. To Mr.. Pap alone weule
the six hundred and thirty-eighth audience b,
granted. Further, that message would b,
left at his hotel when his presence would b.
required. Pap went to his lodgings and wait
ed four days, sustained by hope. On the fifth
about three o'clock, letter was handed him
requiring his immediate attendance. He char
tered hack, and directed it to take him to tn
Post-oflce. Alas it was cruel hcax Whel
he arrived there the building was closed, al
the othcias having left it for the day. o.
the following morning he ventured to visit tn
Pdst-office building; he found that the appl
cants were being rapidly heard, and he waited
hoping that he might be reached that day;-h
was not, however. But the next morning hi
heart leaped within him as he heard his nam
called.
He was ushered into the presence of the pos
master general, who received him with qret
Politeness. The conversation was immediatel
opened by the official.
GLOW long since you left Snooksvile, M
Pap7"