Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1885-07-16
other flames.
General Washington News.
tBy telegraph TO the Dispatch

W ASHINGTON, July l5.-The cir
cumstances surrounding the appoint
ment Of George W. Martin as postmas-
ter at Chattanooga, Tenn. are indica-
tive Of the Presidents disposition to
carry out the ciyil-service law in spirit
as well as in letter. This particular Of.
flee was bone Of contention between
the Democratic party leaders in Tennes-
see, and there were at least ten appli-
cants for the position Of postmaster.
Both Of the United States senator's from
Tennessee had candidates. The repre-
sentative ofthe Chattanooga district had
. candidate, and there were number
Of applicants endorsed by the citizens Of
Chattanooga. Mr.. Martin was a mail
ing-clerk in the local post-offces, and
at the solicitation Of his friends con-
sented to file his application, stating
that he had always been a consistent
Democrat and reciting his faithful
service under his Republican superiors.
Although no outside influence was
brought to bear in his case, the Presi-
dent, after consideration of the merits
of the applicant, promoted Martin from
his position as mailing clerk to be post
master at Chattanooga.
Secretary Whitney has received
letter from John Roach. stating that he
desires full interchange of views with
the Secretary concerning the present
status Of the Dolphin case, and that he
will be in Washington in day or two
for that purpose.
The Presidents habit Of seeking in
formation with regard to men and pub
lie affairs from other than the customary
official" sources has already become
q matter of considerable comment.
Recently prominent businessman in
one of the middle States, whose name
is entirely unknown in politics, became
personally interested in the proposed
transfer Of an official from one post to
smother. and wrote to the President
giving his reasons in business-man's
way for opposing the change, which
reasons were chiefly personal, to
the official order for whose trans
fer had already been issued. The
President wrote in reply that he ap-
preciated the validity of reasons which
had been given him. and would coun-
termand the order for the transfer. He
also expressed a wish to meet his cor
respondent whenever the latter should
find himself in Washington. \ brief
friendly correspondent grew out of
this episode. and the gentleman who
had business at the Capitol one recent
Saturday called at the White House.
Although the new custom excludes
visitors on that day, the caller was cor
daily greeted. The President sat for
an. hour conyersing with him, and
spoke freely upon many general mat
tiers of public policy. lie expressed a
determination to have none but good
men in office, and said, with some en-
phasis, that when the politician de-
ceived him in making recommendation
to Office that would end that mans
influence with this Administration.
AmsDg the topics referred to more par
ticularly was the selection Of Collector
Hedder for the port of New York.
The President is reported to have
said that this was not made in
compliance with the suggestion or
wishes Of any politician or political
organization, but with view solely Of
meeting as far as possible the views Of
the businessmen. To ascertain what
these views were the President had
first set on foot an inquiry among the
businessmen to see whom they would
like to have in the place. In this way
Hedden's name was brought to the
Presidents attention, and thereafter
the inquiry was pursued more directly
to ascertain if his appointment would
be acceptable. The result was strongly
affirmative, and the appointment fol-
lowed at the proper time. The Presi-
dent said he was giving close per-
sonal attention to the matter Of APP
pointments, and that the personal fit
ness of the applicant for the office
sought was the first question consid-
cred.