New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-07-13
COMMISSIONERS WHEELERs VIEWS.

There have been many rumOrs since the sus-
pension OF Collector Arthur that he would be appointed
Police Commissioner IN few days. in pursuance OF
reported compact between him and John Kelly. Yester
day 1t talk the street that long confer
held between ex-Collector Arthur, Police Com
missioner Wheeler and Excise Commissioner Patterson
and the object reported to be the settlement of
this question. Police Commissioner Wheeler found
last evening at the Gilsey House. When asled If he
would state anything in regard his conference with
General Arthur he laughed and said:
"Tnere is absolutely nothing in that rumor went
down town to Mr. Cornell as it is fully three months
since have had chance to talk with him. found him
out and then met Patterson his way to Collector
Arthur. went with him, and we talked perhaps five
minutes general topics and then left But every one
to be watched closely now, and small matters
furnish material for big stores With reference 10 the
story ITSELF you may say confidently that It has not the
shadow of foundation. Collector Arthur would not
think for a moment of accepting the position Of
Police Commissioner. He would not take 1t after hav
removal will be that he will his old business
he will not accept another Office at this time. Yet he
will remain he has been, the leader OF the party in
this city. He will continue 10 be acknowledged It's
abest here, and will control primaries and
tons heretofore This removal win not hurt him in
the least with the party Hanyhing, 1t will increase
his popularity
"For General Merritt no one hasanyhlng but wordsof
praise He is irst-rate in every respect, and II
the change to be made the Office could rot have
fallen into better hands That Merritt acnowlc iged
the embarrassment OF the position is shown by hl. re-
peated refusals TO accept the Office, with the virtual
effect of suppautlng General Arthur. In the mamie IN
which the change was made lies its chief offence II
not done in square way at ALL II it had been the re-
suit of the open action Of the Cabinet and had been made
public in the usual way there would have been less fault
find with it, AS it is John She sent here
he made mysterious visits and dropped porteutous
hints then the AK fell Collector Arthur had intima
ton of the Presidents action until the day before his
moyal II a total surprise to him. to most others
Mr. Conels removal do not think due at all 10 the
fight between Fenton and Conkling. FentOn had moth
ing whatever to do with this action Of the Admuisra
tion Itwas purely the result of the Presidents host
iy against COnklng, and OF course against Cornell
one OF Conklng's chief supporters.
This last act Of an Administration that is hOpeesSy
given blunders has caused great deal Of talk,
will have much influence It will have the reverse OF
the object intended 1t will cement the COnkng faction
stronger than ever and will bring TO his side number
OF people who not disposed 10 regard Conkliugs
with favor This direct expression OF the Pres
dents hostility, made IN such manner, will convert
these lukewarm adherents into active partisans
III this action was 20 be TAKEN why not do IL manly
wayl When this matter was submitted 70 Congress i
decided that no proof had been brought aud that Col
lectOr Arthur should not DO removed. That was sup
posed 10 have seted the question. Now when Congress
Is adjourned the change Is sprung upon the Custom
House officers suddenly, IN the name OF Civil Service
form. Much the men who have been appOin ted are
esteemed, do not think Congress when IL assemblies
will confirm them. IL IL does there will be virtual
decision IT is idle to talk this late day about Civil
Service REFORM The President proclaimed the doctrine
IN his Inaugural and his Message But that Ii far
the thing has gone The principles enunciated have
been violated frequently 10 have become matter Of
jest There is stamina In the President and you