The Montana post., 1869-04-02
ABOUT OFFIC ES.

The Gazette of yesterday, in regard 10
"carpet bag Governors" says some very
truthful things, which, seeing we have
had but two, Edgerton Rep. and Smith,
Dem, cannot be induced by partisan
motives. On general principles, we con-
ceive the appointment of strangers to
high Executive office in the Territories
eminently unwise. We believe the ap-
pointees to the Revenue service are re-
ouired to be residents. Ii would be
we'll if the proviso extended at least to
Governor and Secretary. But it has be-
come the established custom to fill these
places with strangers to the Territories
they govern, and in the present teud
that exists among the volunteer delegas
,ion for Montana in Washington,
larger proportion of strangers VIII be
appointed in this Territory than usual.
The first appointment, George g. Sims
for Judge, is Indicative of this result.
He is unknown to us, and to all whom
we have met. He may be an able ju-
rist. or poor, young, old. Northern or
Southern man, but is undoubtedly Re
publican. Certainly he is an unknown
knight of the bench to all our Attorn,
eys. On that appointment turns the
political character of the three co>ordi-
branches of Montana-the Legislative
Democratic, the Executive Republican,
and one member of each party now on
the bench. We believe this considera-
ton had weight with the Republicans
of Montana, who would not else have
interposed objections to w. w, Dixon,
Esq, of Deer Lodge, who had an unan-
imous and unsolicited recommendation
from the bar of Deer Lodge and Helena
several months since, and is highly
esteemed for his abilities as a
lawer and his character as q
gentleman. 1t is a. mooted ques'
ton whether the Judiciary should be
selected with regard TO the political pre-
dilections of the persons. But with the
status of Montana hinging on this one
appointment, we should regret the
appointment of Mr.. Dixon, highly as we
esteem him, or any Democrat to the off
! fee. 1t is for the welfare of Montans
that its government should be in sympa
thy with the administration.
The Governorship of Montana IS nov
settled down to contest between Hon
James NJ. Ashley of Ohio, and Col. w
F. Sanders, of Montana. The appoint
ment has only been detained by the EN-.
broglio on the Tenure Bill 1t is idle Il
speculate on who is the lucky man,
as a prediction might not be verified an,
a day or two perhaps will place it be
yond conjecture. There is strong feel
reappointing Mr.. Johnsons nominees
and their records are subjected to tn
strictest scrutiny.
The first fortunate Montanian is ou
wide awake friend Lieut.. Kapus, of tn
18th Infantry, formerly stationed at Fl
Shaw, who has succeeded in procuring
the Collectorship of Alaska, for whicl
office, we believe Ex-Governor Gree
Clay Smith was at one time an appli
cant. Lieut.. Kapus served under Ger
Alvord in Oregon, and was one of hi
favorite officers, obtaining his commits
sion as Lieut.. through his influence
President Grant was also Lieutenan
in General (then Captain) Alvord's com
pany IN the Mexican war, and Gran
still esteems highly his old command
er. Put this and that and the aspira
tions of Mr.. Kapus together and we Sc
how nicely our gallant carried the pos
ton. He will make good officer. w
congratulate and wish him success.