New-York tribune., 1877-03-07
THE VACANCY ON THE BENCH.
SENATORS HOWE AND CHRTsTIANCY MADE chNDI-
DATEs-MR. BRIsTOw's APPOINTMENT PROBABLE.

SENATORS HOWE AND CHRrsTIANCY MADE CANDI-
pATEs-MR BRIsrow's APPOINTMENT PROBABLE.
B1 TELEGRAPH THE TRIBUSEl
WAsHINGToN March 6.-TwO or threc interesting
political intriguos surround the appointment to I'LL
the vacancy on the Supreme bench caused by the
resignation of Judge Davis The efforts OF Secre-
tarv Chander's friends 10 secure the appointment
of Senator Christancy of Michigan to this place
have heretofore been noticed. TIE story is and it
is one that is generally credited among Washington
politicians that Secretary Chandler desires the ap-
pointment of Mr.. Christiancy in order that n Sen-
atoral vacancy may be created, to which he thinks
he would be chosen.
Another intrigue has for IFS object the appoint
ment of Senator Howe to the Supreme bench. This
seems to be managed by the leading Republican
politicians of Wisconsin, with f. w. Reyes the
chairman of the State Committee and the leader Oh
what is known in Wisconsin politics as the Madison
regency at its head Mr. Reyes, it is reported, has
so manipulated the Legislature of that state that
he feels ;sred of his ability to secure hls own elcc-
ton to the United States Senate in case vacancy
should occur; and in order to make that vacancy
he is laboring for the appointments OF Mr. Howe 10
the Supreme bench Mr. Howe, it is understood,
would gladly accept the position. He was rroni-
nnntlv named IA candidate for the Cmcf-Justlce-
ship when Judge Waite was appointed, and his am
political advancement. His friends say that he as
even offered the position of Chief-Justice after the
rejection of Mr.. Williams and Caleb Gushing, but
that he was obliged to decline party grounds, IN
asmnch as the Governor of Wisconsin was at that
time a Democrat and would have appointed Dem
ocrat in his place They also say that on one former
occasion Gem Grant desired to place him on the SUI
preme bench, but that he was then ineligible be-
cause he had voted during his current term of Office
to increase the salary Of the Judges.
Ex- Secretary Bris,ow, as has been previously re-
nortcd. will undoubtedly be given this place His
appointment will prevent the appointment of Gen.
Harlan of Kentucky, Mr. BristO"'s law partner, to
place in the Cabinet. Had not Mr.. Brstow been Sc
lected for the Supreme bench, Gen. Harlan would
certainly have been made Attorncy-Genrral. Gen.
Rusk of Wisconsin, Il member of the last ana two
preceding Congresses, and an active member oi the
Congressional Republican Committee, is recon-
mendcd bv the Wisconsin delegation for the position
of First Assistant POstmastcT-ticneral, provided
Senator Howe cannot be appointed to the Supreme
bepcb This Office is one of great political import
ancc. OF the 10000 post-oiiices in the country only
1.GOO are Presidential offices, filed by nomination
and confirmation. The First Assistant Postmaster
General with the approval of his chief, ills the Ic-
naming IS 900 himself.
LARGE DELEGATION of Michigan politicians called
upon the President to-day 10 urge the appointment
of Senator Christiancy to the vacant seat on the
Supreme Bench, their principal interest being to
caus, Senatorial vacancy which might bc file" by
the elect ION OF Senator Chandler. In the course of
the conversation the President explained briefly bis
views il regard TO civil service reform. lie said
that Senators and Representatives, must not con-
sidcr tho Offices their personal peTquiStcs. TO be
distributed by them in return for personal services.
In making selections of public officers he said he
should give due weight to the recommendations of
members OF Congress- bat that if for any good reason
nc saw fit not TO act in accordance with them they
must not feel that any of their rights i'll the matter
had been invaded.