The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1883-04-30
RAUM'S RETIREMENT
FROM INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.
tn. Commissioner. R.,Irsa,lon Occasion. cop.ld.
siderable Surprise In OnieIal as well as un-
ofieIal cirelss-Ths Reasons A.
signed By General RAum.

WASHINGTON, April 2S.-The resignation
Of Gen. B. Rsum to-day was complete
surprise TO every one. Not even his most
intimate friends or Office associates had the
faintest hint that such a course had been
determined upon by the Commissioner.
The suddenness OF the affair led many to
believe that there had been some official
disagreement with the Secretary or the
President or that 1t had been intimated
to General Raum that his place was wanted
for somebody else. Neither OF these sur
misses had any foundation in fact. The
President and Secretary Folger were much
surprised when Commissioner Raum in
formed them to-day OF his determin-
alton to leave the service and devote his
time hereafter to the practice Of law.
Handsome compliments were bestowed
and regrets expressed on both sides, and
every evidence OF the most cordial feeling
was manifested.
Whan General Raum returned to the
Treasury Department, after his interview
with the President, and announced to his
subordinates what he bad just done, there
was exhibited by all, first incredulity and
then actual grief. The chiefclerk, General
Clark, To whom, next TO General Raum, the
Internal Revenue Bureau owes most Of its
efficiency and splendid discipline, displayed
great feeling. He has been faithfully at.
tached 10 General Raum for many years,
and was bis most particular personal and
political friend. The audiences OF Gen.
eral Raum's determination in this matter
may be inferred, when not even General
Clark knew Of it.
In reply to those, who inquired regarding
the causes which led TO mis- resignation,
Commissioner Raum said that the response.
bilityof the Office had grown too heavy for
q man OF his age, aud the ealary too
small. He expected to remain in this city
and practice law before the Supreme
and other Courts and the Departments.
CAUSE OF HIS RESIGNATION.
This is true but it does not give the in.
side Of the matter. 1t has long been a
source Of surprise to those in Washington,
who are used to seeing important interests
ably represented, that the whisky dealers
should intrust their business to men Of
such limited tact that almost every legis.
lative project undertaken for the past two
or three years has failed. Were lawyer
and an expert like General Raum engaged
as counsel or representative for these peo.
pie, there would be but little likelihood OF
a failure on any reasonable plan for their
benefit While 1t is not known that def.
mite arrangements have been made with
General Raun, it is understood that he has
long been considered as desirable acquisi.
tion, and 1t would not be surprising to see
him acting for them. The salary, men.
toned when this matter was discussed last
winter, as suitable for representative like
General Raum, was $4,000 per annum.
The ultimate business relations which
General Raum has had with all banks
not National gives him an acquaint-
ance that will be cf the best benefit here.
after. There are now pending unsettled
and disputed bank accounts with the Gov
eminent for unpaid taxes, which he can
bring to a satisfactory settlementit il intrust-
ed with their management. He is also to
act as counsel for VIM. Pitt kellogg, lately
indicted. But he has only consented TO
this upon tne nOsL eAIntbt 5oilCIhllou'
The two hundred thousand tobacco rebate
claims which will shortly be filed, also
suggest possible field for one well &C.
quainted with department routine. This
class Of claims, while covering but small
amounts, and needing no legal preparation
or argument, yet require looking after and
collection. Altogether there are so many
bright possibilities outside Of the Govern.
ment employ for Mr.. Raum's acknowl-
edged talents that his resignation at this
time Is the most natural thing in the
world.
The question Of his successor has not
yet been considered. The report that Ex.
Congressman Burrows, Of Michigan, is to
receive the place, is not credited by the
Interna Revenue people. General Clark,
the Chief Clerk, did not resign this after
noon, as reported. He would make Il
good Commissioner, and should have the
place. Mr.. Rogers, the Deputy Commis'
sioner, is an active candidate for promo
ton.