The Washington critic., 1886-03-05
WASHINGTON. MARCH 8. 1886.
THE RECoRDERsHIp OF DEEDS

In its Yesterdays issue THE CRITIC
bears cheerful testimony to the general
acceptability of the Presidents ap.
pointments during the first year Of his
administration. 1t is to be regretted
that he should have entered upon his
second year with mistake, for mis-
take 1t unquestionably is TO go outside
of the District of Columbia for man
to fill the position of Recorder of
Deeds. II Is also mistake to hold
that by virtue of any precedent or
principle the place belonged to col.
ored man. This, however, is but q
secondary consideration.
The Office of Recorder Of Deeds, like
that of Register of Wills, is peculiarly
local office. In no sense of the word
is 1t Of interest to the country outside
Of the District or to the Federal author.
ity within the District In respect to
the conveyance and bequest of private
property the citizens of the District
constitute as much community to
themselves as the citizens of Baltimore
or Philadelphia or Albany or as though
Congress had no jurisdiction here.
1t is an oflite that is nearer than al
most any other to the people, because
il concerns their possessory rights more
nearly than any other. 1t Is an Office
of great responsibility also, and al.
though there may be no question as to
the ability of Mr.. Matthews to perform
its duties with fidelity and exactness,
it is entirely natural that the residents
of Washington should feel hurt and
disappointed at the importation of an
entire stranger to keep record of their
real estate titles and receive his pay for
so doing in the shape of fees from
their own pockets.
How would the citizens of Albany
feel were anon resident from Washing
ton imposed upon them to fill SINH
lar office?
Yes, Mr.. President, you have made
mistake this time.
II was not necessary in the first place,
because Mr.. Douglass is colored 'aan,
that colored man should be ::ppoint-
ed as his successor. If thc ne were such
a necessity, the apr<olntment should
have gone to ss~me colored man resid
s6G1eaSzsEs District.
In the second place, by every con.
sideration of party justice, as well as
local expediency, the District Demo-
Gratis were entitled to the position.
There is not Republican in the city
of Washington who would not have
acclaimed as fair and right, the ap.
pointment Of any one of the several
gentlemen aspiring to the honor.
There is not Republican in the United
States Senate who would have lifted
his finger against his confirmation. The
appointment would have been in nc
sense violation of civil-service reform
principles. 1t would have been satsfac
tory TO the people of the District ire
spective Of race or politics, and at the
same time an appropriate recognition
Of body of men who, in proportion to
their numbers, have done more than
any other community in the United
States towards bringing about the
change of administration which has
placed Mr.. Cleveland at the executive
head of the Government.
Mr.. Matthews is, no doubt, COM
petent and worthy man. 1t is possible
he is Democrat and has done service
to the party, but that is no reason why
he should come to Washington for his
reward.
The proper course for the President,
under the circumstances, is to admit
his error, withdraw the nomination,
provide for Mr.. Matthews elsewhere
and make new appointment from
among the citizens of the District.
SnTTuERN SCHnnV rAxEs