The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-06-29

His Wrath Over the New York Custom-House
Appointments.

Appointments.
New York Special to Cincinnati Enquirer.
To say that the Tammany tiger is roaring is
putting it mildly President Cleveland's appoint
ment of Edward l.. Hedden to be collector of
this port, H. s. Beattie to be its surveyor of Gus
toms. and Silas W. Burt its naval officer has
stirred up such rancorons strife between the two
leading factions of the New York Democracy as
is not often in the politics of any State. On
the face of it Mr.. Heddens appointment is that
of pure business man, uncontaminated by 20
ltical partisanship, but in reality it is great
victory for the County Democracy as against
Tammany, and it practically makes the County
Democracys leader, Hubert O. Thompson, the
collector of New York.
That is the light in which the politicians on
both sides and every body else regards it. 1t is
another and overwhelming proof that Mr..
Cleveland has no care for Tammany, and that if
the power of the national administration can &C
complish it, the County Democracy shall be the
ruling force in the party in this State.
In word, the nomination came about in this
way: Mr. Thompson, finding that Cleveland
positively insisted upon having a merchant for
the place, and would not appoint politician,
first withdrew himself from the race, then gave
up his hope that Boss Mclaughlin. of Brooklyn,
could get the place, and finally came around to
Clevelands terms and named Mr.. Hedden as his
candidate. Mayor Grace opposed him, but Sec
retares Manning and Whitney stood by him, and
Thompson that his man could not be
beaten that be took the news OF the appointment
to day as matter of course. Nobody pretends
to doubt that Thompson will control all appoint
ments In the custom house.
OF course this is a telling blow against all the
anti-Cleveland elements in this State, and armed
with the patronage of New York, the County
Democracy will probably be able to name the
many, in addition to the complete
set back it has received at the hands of
the administration, is just no. rent by internal
struggles: The belief, or the fear, that John
Kelly will never return to take command has led
to a lively tussle for the leadership, which
threatens to disrupt the organization, and all the
Tammanyites who have the good of the society
at heart are praying for the return of Kelly.
Mr.. Beattie is also a County Democracy man,
being one of the founders and stanchest sup
porters Of the organization He is warm per-
sonal friend of Secretary Whitney
Colonel Burt was the naval officer under
Hayes. Arthur dropped him out with the expira-
ton of his term and Burt then turned around and
voted for Cleveland, both for Governor and for
President His present appointment is there
fore looked upon as in part, at least, another sop
to the mugwumps, who thus have two important
offices in this city-naval officer and postmaster
Mr.. Hedden has never been an active poiti-
clan. He is fifty-two years old, and was born in
this city. He is a member of the banking firm
of Edward Sweet & Co., and is director in
several Insurance companies and vice president
of the North River Bank until it's dissolution
last May. Mr.. Hedden was managing partner
of the importing firm of Wetmore Cryder &
Co. Mr.. Hedden says to-day: II am no poll
tician, and, although my sympathies with
the County Democracy, 60 into Office unpledged
and unbiased"
Being asked to whom he thought he owed
his appointment, he replied: my business
friends, undoubtedly" He said the appointment
surprise to him, although he had hoped to
get it,
To the question: do you intend to make
many changes in the Officer" he replied; THAT is
something cannot say word about just vet
That VIII all come in due time" Employees in the
custom house coincide in the opinion that it will
come, and they fear they know too well in what
shape it will come. Many business men, how
ever, speak we'll of Mr. neutrality-suspicious.