Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-04-16
LOOKING AFTER CLOSE STATES.
What the President In Ask ed tn Do.

THE REMOVAL OF REPUBLICAN OFFICIALS AND
APPOINTMENT OF DEMOCRATS URGED TO
STRENGTHEN THE DOMINANT PARTY-vIR-
GINA, OHIO AND OREGON.
The President is being urged to strengthen the
democratic party in close states having cleo
lions this year by the removal Of republicans
holding federal positions, and the appointment
OF democrats in their places. The Virginia
democratic leaders are asking for early atten-
ion to the political situation in their state and
there are indications that within short period
some changes will be made in important offices
there. Ohio democrats are also calling for the
assistance OF the administration. The demo-
Gratis ofOregon represent that they can carry the
next legislature, and thus secure Senator to
I'LL out the term now vacant because Of the ne
glect Of the republican majority to choose sue
cessor to Senator Slater, If the administration
will oust federal officials who make use of their
places for political ends. The President is not
of helping his party, but the request is that he
shall make certain removals because, as is
alleged, the fncumbents are political managers
VINO give most of their time to political work.
In regard to Oregon, it has been submitted to
the President that seven federal officials Of
Portland dominate republican politics In that
state; that they control the machine, and are
now laboring In behalf of the republican party.
1t Is charged that the arbitrary rule Of this
in the republican party which prevented the
electlon OF q Senator last winter; that
lactlon Oh the repuDllcanS reVOlteQ against the
despotic sway Of the Portland ring, and that
the interests Of the people generally call for the
smashing of this political machine. The Presi-
dent has been advised, also, that the Portland
federal officials are now endeavoring to per-
suade Gov. Moody to convene the legislature in
special session for the sole purpose OF another
effort to force in the boilers and elect Senator;
but the governor refuses to issue the call unless
an agreement is entered into beforehand that
Senator shall be chosen. The democrats con-
tend that the removal of the Objectionable
federal office holders will give them a fair
chance In the next election, and that with such
chance they can carry the legislature. They
assert that they do not ask for the appointment
Of men to these offices who will organize DEM
ocratic machine, but that their object is to
break up the system of official control of the
state politics. The President has requested that
the charges against the officials com mplained of
be put in writing, with details of their inter-
ference In elections and it is the purpose Of the
democrats of Oregon to fully comply with this
request. A history of the offenses alleged
against the federal Office holders of Oregon and
of Washington Territory will be placed in the
Presidents hands.
The President has been made pretty we'll ac-
quainted with the course of government OFF,
Gals In Virginia who have, under Senator Ma
homes directions, been the political organizers
and leaders of one party in the state.