The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-06-08
now JOHN SHERMAN KEPT 4 PROMISE
THAT NE MADE TO CRIME

The Hemova, Of the Brother-in-L"w OF secre-
tnrv RawIns and the Guardian OF his
ChiIdren from n Custom House Position.
The civil service reformers have been In a
auandary for several days with regard to tho
case OF Mr. II. II. Smith. who Ia n liduidator In
the Custom House. Mr.. Smith Is brother-in-
mw Of Cen Rawlins. who was the chief OF
Grants stan In the war, and tho Secretary oil
War when Grant became President. Mr..
Smith was himself also on Grants staff Mt one
time with the rank OF Major. One OF his brothers
IL a General. In June. 1869 twpnty-seven days
after Grant was inaugurated President. Mt his
request Moses H. Grinnell. then newy-ap-
pointed Collector OF the Port. provided Mr.. II.
II. Smith with the Office OF wcigher In the
Custom House at salary of 81. 800 n year and
perauisitcs. Mr.. Smith kept the place until the
winter OF 1s77-7s. when an order came from
John Sherman to Collector Arthur to reduce the
force OF welghers one-hah. The latter official
placed Mr.. Smiths name in tho list Of those
that he thought he could spare Afterward no
appointed him n weigher ut 81. 200 year.
Previous to the removal OF Mr. Smith as
weRher. Mr.. Smiths friends say Grant called
on John Sherman and informed him that he
was about to start on n tour around the world.
He added that his travels would probably be
protracted for long time. and that he wanted
to be assured OF one thing before he quit the
country. John sherman inquired what It was
that he sought. Grant replied that no wanted
assurance that his friend Smith would be re-
taned M Weigher IN the New York Custom
House in his absence abroad. Grant went on
to say that he mad been the guardian for Con.
Rawnse two children, but had transferred tho
care Of them 10 Mr.. Smith in c9nsequence Of his
contemplated journey around the world. Tho
reason that he gavc Tor his interest IN Mr.
Smith was that he desired him to look after
the welfare OF Gen. RAWLINGS orphans. and that
he could only do so by remaini nR In Govern
ment office. As soon rs Grant had finished his
story John Sherman spoke up. saving. Give
| Mr. Smith is not disturbed" Grant then went
away. AS he was going out Of the door sher-
| eral l will look after Smith,"
| After Smiths removal his friends reminded
John Sherman OF the promise he had made to
Grant. Thereupon John Sherman laid the re-
| sponsibility Tor Smiths removal on, Collector
Arthur and assured ms visitors ,ha MI n smith
portunity. The first opportunity occurred a
month ago, when Wegher Charles Blackie
| Of Special Sessions Mr.. Smith was at once
booked for the vacancy. The programme Il Is
going through. tho form Of an oxamina;
ton under the new,y-promnITIate,;d Civil oI
eighty odd assistant weighers. who stood
| directly in the line OF promotion. were not sum
dates. These were Mr. Smith. Col. n. b. Bar
tram. an entry clerk; Henry Osterheld, and Ed
| win A. Ferry, liquldators. George Millntn
| Curtis WINS present at the examination IA a WIS.,
| itor. The examiners were Gen. Graham Dep
| uty Collector Williams. and Mr.. Comstock OF the
Naval Office. For some reason the programme
was not carried out When the examiners came
to certify to the standing OF the candidates. they
| and Mr. Osterheld third. Mr.. Smith was rated
| fourth. and was therefore. not eligible foI
| nomination. No action has yet been taken by
| Collector Merritt on the vacant weighersh p
| Whenever he is spoken to on the subject he
wpks. but says nothing Ilo told one Of biz
| visitors that there WINS prospect OF the Oiflct
| being abolished as useless. Mr.. Smiths friends
are yet betting that he will get the place.