The clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1883-1888, 1885-09-30
THE NEWS OF THE DAY.
INVESTIGATING CHARGES AGAINST
Mr. STERLING.
Galveston Factions Harmonized by the
appointment of Mr. sweeny-Penn-
syivanis Congressman Anxious
x About OnHees to be Filled.

WASHINGTON, Sept. ss-The statement
that Special Agent Martin, now in New
York, is to conduct the investigation into
Mr.. Sterling fitness to be chief weigher is
just as true as the other statement that
Secretary Manning is TO personally make
the inquiries on the same subject The in
vestigation will be made by gentleman
whose ability and standing in the city
where Mr.. Sterling lives are recognized by
citizens without regard to party affili-
atoms He will be assisted by the
United States district for the East
ern and Southern districts of New York
| if their services are necessary. 1t shall be
! found that the appointment of Mr.. Sterling
| is even in violation of the civil service law
| the investigation will proceed as though the
mistake had not occurred The response
| bility, however, if there is any, will be
| equally borne by Collector Holden and the
secretary of the treasury, the former having
/ recommended the appointment without. com
| plying with the law, and the latter having
approved the appointment without first as
certaining if the civil service rules permit
| ted it. Ii the charges alleged against Mr..
| Sterling are sustained then Collector He'd
den win be wholly responsible for an mex
/ cusable act
/ Obstructing the operation of the civil serv-
| ice commission had scarcely been rebuked
1 L
den added to his offences by the appointment
of Mr.. Sterling. There are no palhating
| circumstances known to the president or
| Secretary Manning that would excuse the
| removal of even reasonably efficient chief
| weigher with good character and the APP
| pointment in his place of any body who has
| not good moral character. The question
has also been raised whether a dealer in
spirituous liquors is any better than one who
uses them, for the latter is an offence under
section Eight of the civil service law, and
has been rigidIy enforced by the administra-
ton here in Washington
The investigation, it may be said, is not
ordered to vindicate Mr.. Sterling or to con-
denim him, but TO ascertain if he is such a
person as the collector was warranted in APP
pointing upon his general reputation, and
| whether Mr.. Hedden can defend his action
| to the satisfaction of the president
| The appoir tment of Mr.. c. C. Sweeny to
| be collector of the port of Galveston settles
| long contest. There was a great deal of
opposition to the appointment of MIR.
Sweeny, urged by some business men of
! Galveston. not particularly, however,
against Mr.. Sweeney but ON the ground
that he was the candidate of the congress
men of the state, who acted in their recon-
mendation of Mr. Sweeney as they allege
10y, the incumbent of the Office was reap
pointed by President Arthur in Feb
ruary last. The Democratic represen-
tative from that district, Mr.. Grain, who
succeeded the famous Tom Ochiltree, asked
President Arthur to appoint Mr.. Sweeny,
but without success. Col. Ochiltree opposed
the confirmation of Mr. Malloy, and man
aged to have the nomination held up until a
few days before the adjournment of con-
gress, when Mr.. Malloy was confirmed. Mr..
Malloy was an Arthur delegate to the Chi
cage convention. Mr.. Sweeny had the rec
ommendation of both senator's and four rep
resentatives from Texas, defeating Mr.
Nichols, who claimed to be the candidate of
the business men of Galveston. Mr.. Sweeny
is wealthy merchant, and has been promi'
nent for some years a member of Irish
American organizations.
| Several of the members of the Pennsyl
vania congressional delegation had talk
with the president about the federal posi-
lions in Pennsylvania which are to be filed
The most important places are in Philadel
phia and Pittsburg. There has been somt
talk that the Pennsylvania delegation in
tended to have a caucus and agree upon
slate, but no such caucus was held and NJ
slate has been furnished the president. Tn
gentlemen interested knew that it would b
a rather risky business TO fix up slate, TO
if this administration is famous for any
thing it has been for breaking up these SO
called states. 1t is understood that the ap
pointments asked for will soon be made, bu
it is also understood that each case will
tried ON its own merits, regardless of tn
fact whether the candidate is the choice OF
the congressional delegat ion or otherwise.