The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-08-10
rHEQUESTION OF AUTHORITY
Can the President Reappoint Rejected
Nominees During the Recess.
;ome ReappOintments Made Yesterday
s Rumor that Collector Hedden Is To Be Su-
perseded-Who Has Watson Got?



Does the President Violate 1t by Reappoint-
ing Rejected Candidates?
Special to the indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 9.-The President to-day.
Ii number Of cases, appointed to the same of
fee the officials who were rejected by the SEN
ate This has given rise to a conflict of opinion
In department circles concerning the legality of
such action. Some high officials held that the
tenufe-of-ofice act prohibits the President dur
ing the recess Of the Senate, from appointing
these rejected nominees, while others take the
ground that as the Constitution vests in the
President the power to fill vacancies, he has a
perfect right to do So 1t seems to be conceded
that in the matter of reappointing post
masters he can do so, as the
tenure-of-ofice act makes an exception as
to them. and the accounting officers can pass
their accounts but 10 the other officers, while
the President may re-appoint them, it is ques-
Honable whether, with the tenure of Office act on
the statute books they can receive their salaries.
Mr. J. c. Matthews, who was, to-day, APP
pointed recorder of deeds for the District of Col
nmbla is the gentleman whose nomination for
fse Office Of recorder OF Deeds after pending In the
Senate several months, was finally rejected He
is colored Democrat of Albany. He is now in
70 the S pu6o Aa'ns for Hs REJECTING ss0fs BIS
not agreeable to the citizens Of the
District, who thought that District man should
be appointed. There was considerable dissatis-
faction expressed by District Democrats when
the nomination was made.
Mr.. Matthews sent the following letter to
Mr. Douglass as soon as he received his commits
sion:
WASHINGTON. Aug 8. 1886.
No Dear Sir-You have, no doubt, heard of my ap-
frnfn to IF rofn naodc hxt
President. have received commission to that eff
feet. The usual oath of Office this day taken and
is on fle in the Office of the Secretary of the In
terror; and, thus qualified, am prepared to enter
upon the discharge of nly duties. If agreeable to
you, Tuesday Tomorrow. at 10 A M, / shall be
pleased to assume the duties and responsibilities of
She Office.
May be permitted in this connection to congratu-
late You upon condition of things Under present
spd practical equality of all men, and insists upon the
fight of free American citizens regardless of color
3reed nationality and of whatever political faith
10 participate in the honors and share in the eolu.
ments of public places.
Yours honored sir, has been historic life of phe-
pomenal activity of great and varied achievements.
bf protracted public service And with the hope that
you may live to enjoy the blessing of many years of
epet aud repQse and awaiting your reply, am with
respect, Very truly yours, JAS. O. MATTHEWS.
70 Hon, Frederick Douglass.
Mr. Douglass replied as follows
ANAcosTA, D. c.. Aug. 9, 1886.
pames Q. Matthews. Esq.
Ny Dear Sir--Tn reply to your respected note just
10 hand, beg to state that as usual viii be at my
DfHce tomorrow at 10 o'clock A. NJ.
Respectfully yours,
FREDERICK DOUGLASS.
Mr. Matthews received scores of telegrams
songratulating him from prominent colored men
IN all parts of the country, among them dis
patch from Albany, N. Y, stating that one hun
ired guns are being fred in his honor
fr. Dorsey Claggitt who was to day appoint
edfegister of wills, to succeed Mr.. H. j. Rams
dell. is about forty years old, and is well-known
Eitizen of the District, and member of we'll
known family. He served in the federal army
turing the war. He has also been prominent in
various Democratic organizations, and was sec
ietary to the executive committee that had
Jharge of the arrangements for President Cleve
sand's Inauguration.