The Jasper weekly courier. [volume] (Jasper, Ind.) 1858-1922, 1886-09-10

D 40 1850 Nm shs ssssss Als.s =
oAsv Csuse WIZ - mssese Ceseeeo
Demecras sheaid - slighesd ~ ~ ~
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When President Cleveland came into
Office Frederick Douglass. VINO j.. nexs
TO senator Bruce. perhaps the best rep-
rcscntative that the colorcd race has
put 70 the 'front.' was occupying the fat
plece Of recorder Of deeds for the Dis
trict Of Columbia lie had originally
been appointed by Mr.. Hayes, for
the well-understood purpose Of cater
ing to the colorcd vote. 20 the po-
sition Of United States Marshal Of
the District-a place which. under
the well-cstablishcd Washington
procedure, makes it, incumbent
the usher at the White House recep-
tions. When Mr.. Arthur came to tho
Presidency he was quite indisposed to
do any injustice to Mr.. Douglass. but
was equally indisposed to permit . col.
ored man TO occupy that high social
position. So he appointed him TO the
much more lucrative position Of no
corder Of deeds and put in Morton Nc
Michael. Of Philsds lphia, - marshal.
So IL was As recorder Of deeds that
President Cleveland found him.
One Of the first acts Of the new Prcsi-
dent was to teach Mr.. Douglass that he
had no social scruples against him.
He was personally invited 10 White
House receptions even in cases where
invitations were very rare. He was
treated not only like man. but like :
gentleman. And when il came time
for him 10 leave Office he left il with 80
kindly an opinion Of the Democratic
President that his published card
stands on record as one of the best of
the tributes paid to the personal msnli-
ness Of that officer. The card Il . Wig
orous Republican document: but il Is at
the same time glowing compliment
10 the worth of President Cleveland.
In the place Of Mr.. Douglass rs re-
corier Of deeds the President appointed
another colored man-W. C. Mathews
Of Albany. The Republicans Of the
Senate. who believe that no colored
man should hold Office unless he votes
the Republican ticket. rejected the APP
pointment Therc-was no question Of
the appointee's worth. The rejection
was purely partisan performance.
And now. after Congress has adj
journed. the President rcappoints. tho
rejected nominee. Mathews. II is .
sharp issue with the Senate II there
has been similar case in the history
of our country it has escaped rs. Yet
the President il thoroughly sound
lawyer and not likely to take step Of
this kind without full consideration Of
all its bearings. Whence does he get.
or whence does he think he gets. his
power?
Certainly not under clause ?. OF Soc
ton >. Of article II. Of the constitution.
That simply gives the power 10 nomI-
nate. and. by and with the advice and
consent OF the senate. to appoint GER
tain officers This consent the Senate
has refused. But clause 3 Of the same
section confers upon him another and
wholly distinct power. As follows:
The Pres dent shall have power % MI IN
vacanc e that may happen during the recess
Of the Senate. ~ granting commissions which
shall expire AZ the end Of their next session"
The retirement Of Mr. Douglass and
the rejection blythe Senate Of Mr. Math-
ews leaves = vacancy. and the Prcsi-
dent under the above provision. finds
full power 10 ill the Office al interim.
His appointment will 20 10 the Senate
again within thirty days after it, 70.
assembling. and il will once more have
the opportunity Of acting upon it,
CinciHn1i Enquirer