New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1871-12-16
Secretary of the Treasury
Hon. Schuyler Colfix, Vice President, &c.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., February IS, IS. .

SIR: Early in January last we complained
to YOU that the Customhouse at New Or
leans was not managed in the interests OF
the Republican party. so tar rs the Colltc-
tors department was concerned. About
that time Mr. Casey. the Collector, was in
this city. and in Your office he expressed
his desire ard purpose to discharge from
his employment all men who We're not Re
publicans His lists of employees and Off
GERS were examined and other gentlemen
with ourselves. all being Republicans from
the State of Louisiana. pointed out about
sixty names OF men Who were Democrats
and not IN sympathy with the Republican
party. We wee not able to deslg nate the
political status Of all the men employed in
the Cnstomhouse. Mr.. Casey did not agree
that all. or any considerable number of the
men pointed out as being Democrats. We're
such. AT his own suggestion the question
of the political status Of all employees
should be left to the decision of the Central
Committee of the Republican party OF the
State of Louisiana. We returned to New
Orleans and the question at ISSUE was sub
mitted 10 that committee. and on investi-
CATION il was found that about one hundred
and ten of the employees holding all the
most prominent positions were not
party This was communicated 10
accordance with his previous action he l.
nored the committee, and still retains in OF
flee nearly all the men pointed out by our
Se.ves and the committee as Democrats.
The committee. composed of the most prom
inent and influential Republicans of the
State. being also men of high character and
standing as citizens. have unanimously. by
resolution. expressed their bellet that Mr..
Casey does not intend to place the Custom
in nf ip
port the Republican party and that so long
as Mr.. Casey holds the position OF Collector
the officers ana empleHes of the Custom
house under his control Will not support the
national administration. and the party
which placed il IL power.
Statements of a similar character come to
rs from many leading Republicans of New
Orleans. and We are led to believe that such
Is the unanimous opinion OF the reliable Re
puhlcans OF the State
We are further advised. and believe. that
Mr. Casey Is wholly controlled politically.
and perhaps otherwise. by certain of his
sHbordinateS. and that especially SO long as
they are retained in office Mr.. Casey will
not subserye the interests OF the Republic
can party and the administration.
We are of the opinion that the removal
of Mr. Casey would remedy the whole evil.
provided known and efficient Republican
-
that this can not be done except by the
President, we respectfully suggest to YOU an
alternative that is within your power to
apply, which may remedy the evils com
planned Of At the saline time be II under
stood that we regard the removal of Mr..
Casey as the most effective remedy and
most consistent with the wishes of the Re
publicans of the StRte.
The men controlling Mr. Casey against,
the interests of the Republican party. and
whose removal will afford partial remedy,
at least, for the evils we complain of. are
the following. TO wit: 2. F.. Herwig. special
deputy collector: {. +. Ingalls,. deputy col
lector; z. +. Bechtel. auditor; J. ID. Fieitas.
wegher: Joseph Herwig, superintendent
warehouses: Crawford, chief entry
clerk; - Gormlv, clerk.
We. therefore, respectfully request in ac-
cordance with the wishes of the Republican
party of Louisiana, and in the interest Of
the government that the above named per
sons be removed Immediately, and that
all others named by the Central Committee
be removed as soon as the interests Of the
public will admit.
Very respectfully, your obedient ser
wants.
j. S. HARRIS.
WILLIAM p. KELLOGG.
J.. a. SHELDON.
Hon; George :. Boutwell,, Secretary of the
Treasury.