Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1885-06-09
Does Mr.. Beecher Deserve Praise :

DOCS VIZ bcecnef deserve FraISc
1t is probable that Capt. II. F. Beecher,
son of Henry Ward Beeeher, who was ap-
pointed lately Collector Of Customs for
the Puget Sound district, VIII make an
honest and an efficient officer. He is a
young man Of education and ability, and
has been a resident of Washington Terri
tory for several years.
The Democratic leaders Of the Terri
tory, however, are not satisfied with Cart
Beecher's appointment. They say, and
apparently with a great deal of truth.
that Capt. Beecher is not a Democrat, and
does not propose to join the Democratic
party. 1t is possible that he voted for
Mr.. Cleveland, if he voted at all, but if he
did it was because his father supported
Mr.. Cleveland so earnestly.
Capt. Beecher was appointed over the
heads Of prominent Democrats doubtless
because the President was DESTROYS Of
showing Henry Ward Beecher that he
appreciated his services in the Presi-
Dental campaign.
1t is said that Mr.. Beecher persstently
refused to say a word in his sons behalf.
While this statement may be true, it does
not convey perhaps TO the average reader
the whole truth. 1t leaves the impression
that Mr.. Beecher declined to ask the office
in question for his son for the reason that
he was afraid that be would be charged
with demanding some sort of compensa-
ton for mis- services in assisting to secure
Mr.. Cleyelands election. OF course he
desired his son to have the Office to which
he has been appointed. 1t is very good
office and pays very handsome salary.
1t is one of the best offices of the kind in
the gift Of the President.
A question that presents itself is this ::
II Mr.. Beecher had thought that a word
from him was absolutely necessary to Sc
cure the Office for his son would he have
withheld it, Unless this question can be
answered in the affirmative there is no
particular virtue in 4lr. Beecher's refusal
to beg the office for his son, aud there is
no occasion for him to make capital out
Of his refusal TO say word to aid his son.
lie was aware, of course, that the Presi-
dent knew all about the position he oc-
cupied during the Presidential campaign,
and also that If the President Intended
10 recognize his services in any way he
could not do it in more satisfactory
manner than by giving his son the Office
he wanted. Doubtless there were friends
Of Mr.. Beechers who told the President
that his services were so great that il
was only fair that they should be recog-
nized in some way.
M. BoechOr's wishes were we'll known
TO the President probably, ana IL he had
presented the case Of his son ne could
not have said anything that tine Prssl-
dent had not already heard. MIR. Beecher,
/ knowing perhaps that there was no need
to take an active part in his sons behalf,
had the good judgment 10 keep away
/ from the President. He simply acted
/ like shiewd politician. Why, then, is
/ it mentioned that his refusal TO plead
with the President for an Office for bis
son Is creditable 20 himy Mr.. Bcecher
did good work during the campaign. II
there bad been any danger that his son
could not get the Office and he had then
I refused TO aid him, knowing that he col4d
render him material assistance, he wouN
then nave been entitled 10 praise,