The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1885-08-22
OFFENSIVE PARTISANS.
w. H. Barnum Visits Washington to Get Il
Man Appointed Postmaster.

w. H. Barnum Visits Washington to Get Il
Man Appointed Postmaster.
At the request of certain member of
Congress from one of the New England
States, Mr.. VIM. II. Barnum consented
to make with him call upon the First
Assistant Postmaster General, Mr.. Hay.
The object Of the visit was to secure the
appointment of several long-trained
Democrats as Postmasters in number
of the Post Offices in the State of the
Congressman.
Mr.. Hay received the Chairman of tt Q
Democratic National Committee and the
member Of Congress with the same cour-
tesy and consideration that he WAS ac-
customed to bestow upon even the most
humble citizen. The following CONVEX
sation took place:
sMr. -, who represents the -
district in Congress" said Mr.. Barnum,
"has called with me in reference to GER
tain appointments that come within your
OlllCC. HC ulSIllSU 10 ~ ci'oC puCs hT.
- is personally acquainted with many
of the best men in it, and you probably
would be glad to hear his recommended
tions, as you must be entirely ignorant
of the people there
"No Postmaster will be removed OK
cept for offensive partisanship, said
Mr.. Hay.
What, may ask, constitutes often
sive partisanship?" inquired the Con-
gresham.
You should know what an offensive
partisan is" Mr.. Hay replied.
ATTENDING caucuses, conventions,
serving as chairman of important com
mittees would be SO regarded" sug-
gested the Congressman.
"Undoubtedly."
"But the Postmaster at A. has done
none of these things"
as he Republican,"
"Yes."
"Is he unfaithful in his duties?'
"No."
SIS he a bad man?'
"No. he. S mighty good fellow, but
he's a Republican, and he expects to
CO."
eff you will make a written statement
tina. he is unfaithlul, incompetent, or
has been an offensive partisan will re-
move him."
"I'll be hanged if I will. He's Re-
publican; that's enough, isn't it?'
mo; it is not enough"
"Does not the fact that man is Re-
publican offensive partisan, asked Mr.
Barnum; must we make it a personal
matter, and accuse man of criminality?"
ri will not make any change without
charges"
Here Mr.. Barnum became little an
noyed.
I'VE will see, sir, whether this man
is not removed" and the Chairman of
the National Committee and Congress-
man sought Mr.. Villas.
SIS it necessary" Mr.. Barnum asked
of the Postmaster-G General, that we
should bring an Indictment against an
otficeholder before we can secure
changer"
''If you will put it in writing that the
man is an offensive partisan, | will re
move him."
81 will put it in writing that he is
Republican, and therefore an offensive
PARTISAN" said Mr.. Barnum.
The Postmaster-General was, of course,
anxious to meet the wishes OF the man
to whom above all others he is indebted
for his extraordinary and sudden politi-
cal advancement.
"Very we'll. That will do, Mr.. Bar
num-"
When the accusation had been put in
writing, Mr.. Villas said to Mr.. B.rnum:
your man will be appointed, but if it
should turn out that we-you and /
have been deceived, and that the present
incumbent is not an offensive partisan,
and the man you desire to be appointed
is an offensive partisan, then will turn
the new Postmaster ont and pus the old
one back again. Good morning."
"Tell me-" said the Congressman, who
few days ago told this story, that the
new Administration isn't in love with
Eaton's civil service reform. 1t is and
was so well assured of it that did not
offer single application. | made up
my mind that Congressman were sort
OF to be- celebrated nuisance, and so I've
come home. Well, there's going to be
funny times. l believe Congress sits
next winter"