National Republican., 1875-07-16
DISTRICT ATTORNEY FISHER.
HIS kstiremeat From Office Rsqussted-Ex'
Governor Wells His Probable Successor.

0overnor Welu HIS frooeDle euocessof'
Yesterday afternoon the vicinity Of the court
house was filled with flying rumors OF the re-
tirement of Hon. George p. Fisher, United
States District Attorney, and it formed by far
the most prominent topic Of conversation among
the loungers and hGbitueg of the City Hall.
Some had 1t that he had resigned, others, that
he had been removed, while many others
looked upon it in the light of a hoax which had
been started by some Of the enemies OF the
Jusge and with whom the wish was father to
the thought. This is not the first time during
his inoumbency Of the once that Judge Fisher
has been made the subject Of similar rumors,
both In this and other cities; but 1t is the nrst
time that there has been such good foundation
Of truth Careful and persistent inquiry developed
the fact that few days ago Attorney General
Pierrepont, yielding to the demands made upon
him to that end sent a letter to Judge Fisher re-
QuestIng his immediate resignation Of the once.
To this no reply has yet been made, for as soon
as possible after its receipt Mr.. Fisher started
for Long Branch, and has not yet returned.
The direct cause of the peremptory demand has
not been made public but It is safe to say that 1t
is on account Of the manifold complaint, both
public and private, lodged against Mr.. Fisher IN
regard to his recent administration Of the duties
of his office. Among the complainants against
him. it is alleged, are Postmaster General Jewell,
for failure to successfully prosecute the recent
Texas mail contract frauds; by Secretary Bris-
tow for failure to secure the Indictment OF Sugg
Fort (this case is still pending before the grand
jury,) and by Secretary Belknap, for furnishing
sn imperfect title to some property recently pur-
chased by the Navy Department in the neighoor-
hood of Winder's buildings. To them may be
added the usual growls against q prosecuting
officer, AMI 1t will be seen that they made up
volume which the Attorney General could not
withstand As his resignation has not yet be en-
sent in his successor has not been announced, but
It Is more than probable the appointment will be
rendered to Ex-Governor H. H. Wells, of Va,
who is at present q resident Of and pracucing
lawyer In this District.
SKETCH OF GENERAL a. H. WELLS.
At the breaking out of the war General Wells
was practicing lawyer in Michigan. He joined
enc of the regiments from that State, and with
1t came to the Army Of the Potomac, in which he
served with distinction, and soon attained the
rank OF lieutenant colonel. When Gen. Slough
was military governor of Alexandria Col Wells
was detailed for provost duty at that point. The
duties Of his position were made extremely
arduous from the fact that they comprised the
gathering and sending back to the front of the
numerous deserters, stragglers and invalid SOL
ders who, by various mea Is, found their way into
Alexandria. Subsequently General Wells be-
came military governor, which position he held
until the close Of the war. The duties incident
to his governorship were for some time tanta-
the State which was under the Federal jurisdic-
tIon and they were performed in such a manner
as to secure the appreciation and confidence OF
such severe critics as the late Great War Secre-
tary and the general commanding the armies
operating against Richmond. Although Pier
pont was then nominally Governor of the State,
he really had no means Of organizing and carry
ing on civil government, and the functions be-
longing to his Office were chiefly performed by
the military, of which Wells was the organ.
When peace was conquered, and Plerpont es-
tablished his government in Richmond, General
Wells closed up the affairs Of his office and re-
signed his commission, but took up his permanent
residence in the State. He afterwards succeeded
Pierport as Governor of the State, executing the
office with rare discretion and ability, until he
was succeeded by Gen. Terry under the act of
Congress erecting the States lately in rebellion
into military districts. Gen. Wells then resumed
the practice OF his profession In the city OF Rich
mond, where he soon acquired large and lucra-
tive business.
In 1869 he was appointed by President Grant
United States attorney for the District Of Viz
g;nia which offlce he held for several years, but
gave up about three years ago to attend to some
important suits then pending in the Sul lreme
Court of the United States. He then established
his ofics in this city, and has since that time as
siduously and quietly devoted himself to the du
ties of his profession.
In all the positions OF public trust with which
he has been invested General Wells has borne
himself in manner to win the confidence Of all
those with whom be has been brought in contact
He presents to-day to the citizens Of this District
an official record without stain or blemlsh. AS
a lawyer he has but few superiors even at the
bar Of the Supreme Court Of the United States.
In politics he has ever been a consistent and ac-
tive Republican Of the most radical sort, but has
ever so conducted himself in political contests
to comnsnd the respect even Of Virginia Gen.
seryatiyes He is now just in the primo and vigor
Of manhood, about fifty years of age, industrious
and discreet, and endowed with excellent judg-
ment ripened by experience. His selection for
the position which be is now called to fill evinces
a desire on the part OF the Executive to have the
majesty of the law vindi isated, with due regard
for the rig hts and privileges Of the ci .iZsn.