The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1884-11-21
Putting IL pemocra. In tbs i'os,on.co {,

Putting IL DcmocrHt In ,he %rostofice.
The term Of the present Postmaster at
Wheeling does not expire until January,
lSS7-morc than two years hence, Post.
master Sterling cannot be removed except
for cause. 1t is assumed by Democrats
hereabouts that Cause can be shown to
the satisfaction OF President Cleveland.
That may be SO, ii President Cleveland is
going to dissatisfied easilyin such matters.
1t might happen that what would satisfy
the Democratic President would not salts
fy the Republican Senatc-which would
make it uncomfortable for the person
nominated by the President to succeed
the present incumbent.
The Specifications against Postmaster
Sterling have not yet been presented.
The general and vague charge is that he
has used his Office Tor political purposes.
Thus far nobody comes forward and on
his own responsibility makes the charge.
But it may be assumed that this or some
other charge will be made in due time.
No Republican is going to be left in UNI
disturbed possession Of SO sweet Il plum as
the Wheeling postoiice; else, where lire
the substantial fruits OF the triumph, OF
Cleveland, Hendricks and Reform?
Postmaster Sterling being out Of the
way-if they get him out Of the way
who is to step in and occupy the office?
Several eminent Democrats and good citi-
zens are willing. Only one can have the
place. Who is to draw the capital prize?
and how is the lottery to be worked?
There's the rub. a candidate who feels
that he will be solid with the alministra-
ton" desires to proceed in the regular
way-tle his application backed with en-
dorsements by the pound; put on the
pressure; show that men OF all parties are
'hungering ior his appointment; convince
the administration that his party services
throw all other aspirants in the shade,
and that his capacity for good service is by
no means a faded flower.
A candidate who feels that his strength
in Wheeling will be greater than ut Wash
inston thinks the Democrats OF Wheeling
ought to have the filling OF The office, and
SO We have the idea OF the primary cleo
ton. The party chooses, the President
aud the Senate atiiy. 1t may be difficult
to bring the aspirants to an agreement.
either with regard to the primary or the
result OF it.
Let us suppose the the primary is had,
Col. Thomas O'Brien with accustomed
libetality waving the advantage which Ills
connection with the dominant State House
faction is supposen to give him--lctting go
for naught the considerable influence OF
Of the present State administration and
the next. The, Democratic voters OF
Wheeling come together to say who shall
be Postmaster. The affair would be like
any other primary election, with NIL the
accomplishments OF 'stogies," beer and
things to help voters 10 u right conclusion.
The polls close, the count is made, and
the returns are certified to the President.
Now it would be a pain and 4 mortiti-
ton il Mr.. Egerter or any other defeated
aspirant were to hasten to Washington
and tear up the Nations Capital with the
astounding accusation that Col, O'Brien
had caused the ballot-boxes to be stuffed
with onion-skin ballots, or dragged the
opposition officers and caused his own
men to make Il false return. The situation
would be relieved Of none Of its complica.
tons and Wheeling Of none OF its humilia-
ton ii Col. O'Brien were to telegraph to
President Cleveland:
withhold the appointment until sell
and friends can reach Washington. Eyer
ter's apparent plurality is not sus-
tanned by the revised returns. Have just
detected m error in Fourth ward which
gives that ward to me. Eyertcr has more
votes in Second ward than there are voters.
In Eighth ward votes cast for Todd were
counted for Egcrter, and ballots destroyed.
Eserter men secured Eastern Ohio and
brought over not less than one thousand
n~on.residcnts. Course is condemned by
best Democrats. Party will not stand SO
fragrant an outrage. Excitement intense.
Governor thus far refused to issue arms"
These gentlemen, being OF good
character, would not do the things for
illustration supposed to be clargcdagainst
them. but it is easy to see that charges
Of fraud might be made, and the presi-
dent, sitting in 4 sense rs n Canvassing
Board, would lind himseliin dilemma OF
two sharp horns. iii tho primary is to be
the thing, tits to DO hoped that it may pass
of pleasantly and be followed by no un.
happy consequences. Our Democratic
friends arc Just entering upon an Era Of
Reform, and there should be no mistake
ut the outset.