The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-22
A LACK OF CAPACITY.
Dissatisfaction with the Distribution of Offices
The Case of General Meilley.


The Case of General Meilley.
apecisl to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Sept. 2l-In the distribution of
Offices we have probably never had an admins
tration which has given such uniform and uni
iversal dissatisfaction as the present one. 1t
pleases no party The best of men seem to be
turned out of Office and the poorest put in, as
rule. Bad judgment on the part of the officers
in power seems to be exercised everywhere
Then, the feature which has been expected of
the administration right along has finally come.
1t is that of lying to men who are seeking places
There are fifty prominent men in Washington
to-day-Democrats, of course-who have been
here continuously since the 4th of March,
applying for places and expecting them every
day. Their faces have become so familiar to
the people that they are frequently taken for
residents. Of course, this thing of waiting
around and being STAYED off from day to day in
a while becomes matter of no virtue, and the
men who are compelled to bear the brunt of the
burden give vent to their disappointment in
curses.
The case of General Meilley, of Lima, O., is
one in garing instance. A good deal was said
when John G. Thompson, old Democratic
wheel horse of that State, was treated so shah
billy by his party, and imprecations were heaped
on the head of the administration by mis- friends
without stint; but it seems that General MeIley s
treatment will command more radical atten-
ton. The latter gentleman came here several
days before the Inauguration of President Cleve-
land and applied for the governorship Of New
Mexico. He was Adjutant-general of the State
of Ohio, under Governor Bishop, and had figured
prominently in the politics of his State up to
few years ago, when he went to New Mexico
When he came here he wanted to be Governor
of the Territory of New Mexico His indorse-
ments were eminently influential, and it looked
for a while like he would succeed in his efforts
despite the fact that the party in power had de-
clared against appointing man from the States
to Territorial position After frequent visits
to the White House and numerous assurances
that he would be made Governor, he was
told that the place must go to somebody
else. At the same time he was in
formed that he had been chosen for
appointment to the position of Assistant Com
missioner of the General Land Office. This was
probably four months ago. Somewhat shaken
on account of his failure to secure the position
of his desire, General Meilley consented to take
the place proffered him. He was assured in
such positive language that he could have this
Office that ne settled up his businessout of this
city and brought his luggage here to stay. 1t
was announced by the press several times that
he was 10 have the appointment and in the
places where he was best known it was stated
that he had already been appointed. He spent
h;o 4iYna OF Ia Gnrara1 and On;ca I'D; 80
himself with his duties fof a month or more.
Finally it began to occur to him that he should
receive his appointment and that the delay was
occasioned by something unusual. He remarked
to friend one day that he sometimes doubted