Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-03-12
Collector Chase Talks.
HIS OPINION OF L ID. M. SWEAT AM, SUN
DRY OTHER MAINE DEMOCRATs.

A staff correspondent Of the Lewiston Jour
AL had an interview with Collector Chase the
other day. ~ asked him." said the CORES
pendent, ''if he had not been opposed by GER
tain Maine democrats"
'There were not twenty Ave democrats in
the State opposed to my confirmation" said
he.
But, Captain, when l was in Washington,
was told that ex-Congressman Sweat was
working against you"
eyes, he did work against me. He is 4
scoundrel," exclaimed Capt. Chase.
Right here came . climax and red fire. As
sistant Appraiser Woodman came in from his
room in the custom house to extend his con-
dolence to the collector.
"Woodman," said the Captain, ~ want to
call your attention to what just told this
gentleman. said that L. d. NJ. Sweat is a
scoundrel." And the captain fourished his
arm as if he were going to thump the object
of his wrath with marlin spike.
Mr.. Woodman went out remarking that he
didn't care to discuss that subject, and the
captain then said
"You notice that called Woodman's atten-
ton to that remark! Do you know why?
Sweat made him and Pierce think he got
their offices for them.-well, never mind"
"Why did Sweat oppose your"
~ suppose because he wanted to get .
brokers' commission for securing the place
for somebody else. Oh, think more of
Boutele than do of Sweat. Boutelle was
open in his opposition. Sweat pretended to
be friendly to me and was working against
me all the time. He sen. home word to
VIM q navia NJ friouda hor he,
VIM. L. Putnam that he was not unfriendly
to me. OF course didn't believe it. If a
man came to Sweat, saying, 81 hope that
Chase won't be confirmed" Sweat would
whisper to him, "You go and see Hale, you
90 and see Hale"
81 don't see why Sweat should have any
influence with this administration, continued
the captain. "He is one of those democrats
who are democrats after election. He did
not vote for Cleveland. He has not voted in
the spring elections in Portland but twice in
six wears, and both times he threw the Re-
publican ticket"
"Did any other Maine democrat oppose
you in Wtshington?"
"Bill Cromwell did, l understand. He was
mad with me because l had him boosted from
the craftsmanship of the State committee"
GLOW long do you expect to retain your
Officer"
IL don't know. am awaiting orders from
the treasury department. am ready to 60
at any moment"
who do you expect will be your success
sor2"
II don't know. I've heard that ex-Mayor
George Walker wants it, left letter that
he wrote me, endorsing our action in the So
called count-out with the finance committee
of the Senate"
What wicked wink the captain winked!
l asked Capt. Chase If the President or any
of the powers that be had suggested to him
that he would be given another place, and he
said no. With rare frankness he remarked
that his only talk with the President lasted
just half minute. The most of the patriots
who go to see his excellency just take off
their things and sit right down and spend the
day with him, if you let them tell 1t. As to
the contents of his famous letter book, the
Captain intimsted that he had left them in
the hands of the Senate committee, where
they may be consulted in the case of future
ofice-seekers in Maine.