St. Landry democrat., 1885-07-11
WASHINGTON LETTER.
From Our Regular Correspondent
JUNE 80, 1885.

In half an hour after the Commission
Eof the Republican collector at the port
'7of New York had expired Democrat
had been appointed in his place. The
appointment came nearly three days
before it was expected, and created
considerable surprise in political circles
here. The quid nuncs and politicians
have now had time to pull themselves
together, and stare at the situation, and
their comments are as diverse as their
political biases. The Republicans take
a William Walter Phelps view of the
selection, and say it is good for the
country but bad for the Democratic
party. They are unable to see how
aslch wiser politician President Cleve-
land is than was President Garfield,
when he created schism in his party
by appointing Mr.. Robertson to this
same Office four years ago.
. The manner of man Mr.. Hedden the
-s+gw Collector is cannot be better stated
- an by quoting from the letters of
ose who most insimately know him.
letter to the President, Bates, Reed
nd Cooley prominent New York mer-
chants said: "We take pleasure in tes-
tifying to the excellent business quali-
ties, integrity of character, and high
commercial standing of Mr.. Hedden
among the business men of this city,
and to say that we are sure his appoint
ment AS Collector of the Port will give
great satisfaction to the best business
interests of the city. We believe Mr..
Hedden to be thoroughly competent in
eyery direction, man of thorough
going system, and order in the despatch
of business, and a gentleman who Will
do honor to the appointment if he is so
fortunate as to receive this favor at
your hands.
Daniel Drake Smith one Of the Oldest
merchants in New York wrote, Ills
father lawyer, studied in the office OF
Alexander Hamilton, and filled an hon
orable, and distinguished civic office in
this city more than a half century ago,
and was a representative of the city on
the opening of the Erie canal. | do not
J sesitate to say that from personal
knowledge of Collectors of this port
since 1882, but one incumbent was as
we'll and not single one better quail
fed, in my opinion, to fill the place than
is Mr., Hedden. Mr.. Hedden has always
sYcted with the Democratic party"
Mr.. Edwin R. Livermore, throws this
aght ON Mr.. Hedden's political faith,
and other characteristics "He is an
unassuming man, a genuine New York
.er, thorough Democrat through all
the time I have known him, calmly
waiting for a return to constitutional
principles of government. He has been
respected and admired by those even in
authority who differed with him politic-
ally. His expert testimony has always
been sought and approved in mercan-
tile appraisement, and other Custom
House matters. There are few mer-
chants better qualified by taste and
education than he for the Office"
Gen. John B. Woodward's letter adds
this: "Mr. Hedden was born in this
city in 1928, and entered the employ OF
Wetmore, Cryder & Co., in 1847. He
was employed at once to attend to their
Custom House work, and had general
supervision thereof during the whole OF
his business career. The firm never
employed Custom House brokers, owing
to his thorough acquaintance with the
requisite details. He became a partner
with the house in May, 1859, the style OF
he firm being changed to Wetmore-
Cryder & Co., and was practically the
managing partner Of the house from
then until the dissolution of the part
nership in December, 1884"
i MIR. Hedden is not afraid of the office
is may be inferred from remark made
bn Saturday, he said, Il am thoroughly
X familiar with every department. of the
Custom House, and know the duties OF
every man in it, from the entry clerk to
the Collector. / am no politician and
although my sympathies are with the
county democrats, go into the office
unpledged, and unbiased. No man and
no body of men will find it possible to
rule me.
q L 1r0