Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1845-1851, 1848-12-19
33.2l3.l52 73
IF the House Of Representatives.
Letter from Washington.
Correspondence Of the n. Y. Sun.


WASHINGTON, November, 2S. 1876.
As Truman Smith of Connecticut, the target
for the shafts Of the democratic press the
canvass were the arrows Of the whig writers d.
recied at the Hon. VIM. J. Brown, of Indiana. who
played the part of the leading member of the demo-
cratic central committee appointed by the last Balt
more Convention. II was his duty TO supervise tie
preparation of the documents put forth by the demo-
cratic publishing committee, and 10 take TINT
they sent into the quarter where each was most
needed If for similar service the other side.
Smith roundy abused by tie loco focos Brown
certainly reaped his share Of such ef-handed praise
from friends of Smith. Like the latter. he
Is Just the man 10 stand 1t, for he had been
through the mill of political life an the west.
which fails to grind thin skinned gentlemen 10
powder long before they reach a seat in Congress.
W. J. Brown a native Of Kentucky and may
be some forty three or FIVE years of age. 1t is said
of him that he commenced life with bat two months
"schooing," and graduated in the World College,
by taking the degree of stage driver, from whence
he transported behind the counter OF country
store While there he applied himself TO books and
fairly earned license practice law in the log cab
in court house of the HoOser State On commencing
the practice he became politician after the fashion
followed by all young attorneys IN the west. His
frank manners, generous heart, quickness of appre
hension and native intelligence carried him
through oil the gradations of party favor his State;
for he elected county attorney. then member of
|
torney. and subsequently the representative in Con-
gress from tie metropolitan district of Indiana. He
served but for two years III that capacity, wien IN
looking around for the of all others competent
discharge the important and delicate trust OF mana
ging the patronage of the Post Office Department,
he selected for the prudent administration. Those
who have been behind the political, can
realize the difficulties surrounding the satisactO-
~ discharge OF the % assistant p VI. general. II ia
has work to examine ali the evidence pro and con.
brought to bear in the selection of deputy post
tiers. He must net only thoroughly understand the
post office laws bat should be able glance read
the character of every who applies for an Office
recommends another and above all lac should know
the standing of the leading politicians of both parties
in every county of every state IN the Union. pre-
sumo that w. J. Brown selected for this position
because his knowledge of politicians oil over the
country was known 10 be remarkably great, while at
the same time he had the happy faculty of being him.
self active politician without making personal en-
emies. Certain ii is he has discharged his Duties ma
king fewer removals in the whole of the pres
ent administration, than Mr.. Granger caused to be
made during his short service the head of the de-
partment and AT the time has satisfied hls par
ty and the respect and confidence Of all with
whom he has had official intercourse.
4 OF course he will be removed If General Taylor
brings other head to the block the post of Sec
ond Assistant Postmaster General must necesSarll y
be filled b. confidential friend of the administration
in power. have recently heard from Indiana that has
polItlca friends design nominating him for Governor
, at the next election.