Smyrna times., 1875-07-07

The U. S. OFFICES FOR DELAwARE.-ThC
threatened clean sweep of the Government
officers in this State, published last week
created marked sensation. 1t was
definitely announced in the regular Wash
ingtOn dispatches on Thursday last that
DIR. J. S. Prettyman, U. S. Collector oi
Internal Revenue, had been superseded by
Hon. Jas. r. Lofand, of Milford, and it was
rumOred on the street that Marshal Dunn
would be superseded by Wilson L. Cannon,
or Henry Cannon of Dover, while further
reports had it that District Attorney Hig-
gins's head was in danger.
As yet, however, no change has been
made in any quarter, though it is evident,
from the straightforwarlness of the report.
that the change in the Collectorship has
been contemplated, if not definitely acted
upon.
The great surprise the news created was
aroused by the unexpectedness of the result.
DIR. Prettyman was in Sussex at the time
and had no intimation of a change, or even
oil the effort to create change, until mott
fled by kilograms from personal friends
that the change had been made. And it is
asserted by Mr.. Lofand's friends that he
dlsclalms having made any effort in the
matter and regrets that he should be made
to appear as seeking to undermine DR..
Prettyman. 1t is asserted, however, that
the new Commissioner of Internal Revenue.
Hon. D. D. Pratt, and Mr.. L. are warm
friends, and that Mr.. Pratt, having the ear
of the President, advised the change. And
further, it is asserted that parties in Milford
have for several weeks past been putting
their house in order to step into the clerk
ships when the change should come. It
was not proposed, we learn, to chop off the
head OF DR.. Davidson, the Deputy Collector.
The report, though fixed as the matter
seemed to be, aroused the friends of DR..
Prettynaan and the inject now seems to wear
a new aspect. We were informed on
Saturday that the President had ordered
that the removal be held in allegiance for
five days, and on Monday DR.. Prettyman
received a letter from Commissioner Pratt
stating that there was no charges whatever
made against him, and that the President
had directed the appointment of Mr..
LOfland to be withheld.
From all parts of the State letters and
petitions have poured in upon the President
IN support of DR.. Prettyman, and in the
fullest endorsement Of his management of
the Office. An almost universally-sicnsd
petition from Milford, where the Doctor
lives, was forwarded to headquarters on
Saturday, we are informed by gentleman
just from there, and none sustain him mora
cordially than his bondsmen.
In the absence of any official misconduct
on the part of the Doctor to give the
malcontents clue, a surreptitious scheme
was planned to effect his removal. But the
surreptitiousness brought those to his sup
port who might otherwise have looked
Supnely on, and secured to him. it is
hoped, the office he so ably fills.
We believe the change, under the cir
cumStances, would result in no good. unless
1t be In the matter Of salary to the new
Misunderstanding none to the party or
the Department. When, from no cause
whatever, except to secure a place for
person who thinks he ought to have one. a
competent officer is made to give up to an
untrled candidate, there is too much politi.
cal Jobbery for the good of the public
service.