National Republican., 1883-03-01
THE MAssEr-w1sE CONTEST.

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Testimony Given by the First Assistant
Postmaster General and the Secretary OF
the Navy.
In the Massey-wise contest First Assistant
Postmaster General HattOn and Secretary Of
the Navy Chandler both made depositions In
the Office of Gen. Eppa Hunton before Will
liam L. ID. Curtis, notary. Mr.. Frank Hatton
testified that all papers relating to appoint
ments as postmasters were filed in his office,
and the briefs in each case examined by him.
Knows Senator Malone. In the appointment
of postmasters republican congressman were
consulted as TO appointments in their districts;
in the absence of republican members senators
were consulted
In 1889, in passing upon the Virginia ap-
pointments both tho republican and demo-
cratic members and both senators called upon
the department in relation to them. The de-
partment usually preferred to act upon the
suggestions Of the republican and anti-bOur-
bon members; could not say whether single
applicant indorsed by Dezendorf in the second
congressional district of virginia was ap-
pointed in preference TO an applicant indOrsed
by Senator Malone. Witness said the same
thing in regard to Jorgenscn's district. APP
pointments were made i'm Virginia against
Senator Mahones wish Did not know how
many. He was questioned regarding the con-
tests at Lynchburg, Lccsburg, and Alexandria,
but as they are presidential offices he was not
familiar with the cases. All the appointments
he had anything to do with were republicans
or in sympathy with the party unless he was
cheated He said that in Virginia any man
was good enough republican for him who was
opposed TO the cid organized democracy. Con-
sidered Senator Mahonca good enough repub.
lican for him. Senator Diahono's recommended
tiOns of pOstmnstors were moro generally
acted upon than those of any other
one man. Except in republican dis
tricts his recommendations were received
moro favOrably than all the others put to-
gether. Witness declined TO say whether he
had received any oral or written instructions
from the postmaster general Us TO giving the
postollice patronage of Virginia TO Senator
Malone. Did not understand from any con-
vcrsation he ever had with the postmaster
general that IL was his desire that such pa-
tronage should be given TO Malone. In cases
where one applicant was indOrsod by Senator
Malone and another by a democratic member
Mahone's desire was more iavorably enter
tanned. In cases where republican members
indorsed other applicants than Senator Ma
homes sometimes the members Endorsement
was favored and in others Senator Mahones.
Secretary Chandler testified that from
hcarsay he had supposed that the republican
congressional committee had assisted the
Virginia campaign with funds, but to what
extent he had not heard. Had no direct in
formation as to any funds being sent what
ever. He did not remember whether any
navy department appointments were made in
1882 from Virginia. In answer TO Il question
If he would have made any appointments in
Virginia without Senator Mahone's indorso-
mont ho said ho undoubtedly would had
he thought it best. The subject of the pat
rOnage of Virginia was never discussed to his
knowledge in cabinet meeting.