The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1886-03-06
Correspondence Baltimore County Union.
LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.
The Old and the New Collector Of the Port
The Mayor and Council Deadlock
Death Of a Correspondent, &c.

-IQ0 mayor anu OOuuCll OodO-bO
Death Of a Correspondent, &C.
BALTIMORE, March I'd, 1885.
Messrs. Editors Hon. James b. Groome, by
virtue of appointment from President Cleveland,
became Collector of the Port of Baltimore, Mon
day morning last, in place of Col. Edwin Ii. Web
ster, whose commission had expired few days
ago. The authority was gracefully surrendered
BY Col. Webster and as gracefully accepted by
Mr.. Groome. The affair was amicable, very cor
dial and friendly on both sides, they being per-
soual friends, differing only in the matter OF po-
ltical policy, to which they had an undoubted
right. They are Familiarity known and esteemed
by all our citizens; likewise to citizens of Mary
land and of the whole country, as they have been
so long in public positions of trust and honor, al
ways discharging their duties faithfully. This
know personally and from general observation
A more genial gentleman than COL Webster could
not be found. The same, too, may be said OF his
immediate successor in the Baltimore Custom
House, Mr.. Groome. 1t is questionable indeed if
our citizens-as there was to be change-could
have been better pleased. They know Mr. Groome
favoraby and we'll, as he also knows-personally
many of them. 1 may say cheerfully that Pres
ident Cleveand's appointment of Mr.. Groome
meets general appreciation. The subordinate OH
Gals, clerks and others in the Collectors depart
ment under Col Webster, were among the hrst
who called upon the new Collector and were IN
troduced to him, several of whom knew him be-
fore. The interview was cordial and most respect
full. This ceremony being over they all again re-
turned to their desks and places of duty. Col.
Webster had everything up, near as could be, TO
hand over to his successor, but will remain in the
city a few days to personally aid in doing what
he can to make the exchange of position afable,
easy and pleasant. l learn that Mr.. Groome does
not purpose making appointments under him pre-
cautiously, but will have due regard to conserva-
h. os,.l htnps9 honesty
and capacity, such as President Cleveland him
self has advocated and approves. The desire is
to do things on business basis and what VIII De
best for himself, the whole people and our country
az large. Tnls done cannot fail In giving salts
faction. The position of Collector of Customs for
q city like Baltimore, now so markedly in compe-
ttion for trade and progress in commerce with
other great progressive cities of our country, is
most important one which really rises above mere
politics. appealing forcibly for an adherence near
as possible to those great principles existing in
civil service reform. AS the law of Congress Is
with him feel assured he will be glad to do what
is right and in every way best This is what will
be expected and what gladly believe he will do.
The dead lock still continues between the Mayor
end our City Council. In consequence matters to
some extent are at stand still. Many OF the
appointments are rejected or turned down to be
sent up again by the Mayor. We may indeed oe
looked upon as in a kind of fix. In time, how
with ours in Baltimore. 1t cannot be permitted
by the people and will not. There is power
even behind the throne which finally goes to the
people, who--if continued-would be the sufferers,
So hti1 IL r-.tias-I Doubt not the
whole thing will be settled in short time. Neither
political party, for its own benefit, be expected
to cOuntenance that which may harm their mate
rial success or interests. Let me then say to our
Mayor and the refractory parties to cultivate a
compromising spirit, for to this-as experience
has taught--they must come ultimately. 1t can
not, dare not last for all time. This advice will
also suit our State legislators, we'll regarding
the caling-sooner or later-of a constitutional
convention to admitting the Belt of your coun-
ty into Baltimore city. This will rise above the
simple control of mere partizans, or a faction
against the other of the same party.
learn with regret that Mr.. Thomas J. Wilson,
well known here and elsewhere as lawyer, news
paper writer, correspondent, &C., died suddenly
last Sunday afternoon, at his residence in this
city, ofneart disease, ailment from which he
occasionally suffered for twenty years or more
He expected it would eventually take him off. He
will be known as "Argus," the interesting CORES
pendent of the journal in your town, where his
pen will be much missed.
The different car drivers, conductors and other
employees of city passenger railway companies
have effected an arrangement with their employers
which is much more satisfactory to them. They
US now have market cars on the York road from
the Belair market out and not be over-crowded
with passengers, baskets and other things so that
one cannot find place to sit down or stand up.
learn with pleasure that Mr. Michael Roche,
who was among the most extensive builders in
Baltimore, and has had severe attack of erysipe.
las-really despaired offs now recovering and
hopes to be out in few days. He is known by
almost every citizen, having had great Partially
for Irish jokes and quaint stories. I know him
well and a very "clever gintleman" is he.
There are rather more cases of scarlet fever and
diphtheria in town than usual, but generally Bal
timore is fairly healthy.
gladly notice that the Western Maryland rail-
S o lhslY to ri. M as tbs f5aHesFS 6Esps
and deserves all it requires from city.
1t will be seen that Mr.. I. Freeman Rasin has
been confirmed by the Senate as Naval Officer of
our port. There is no doubt of his being gen.
tleman of ability and a most useful member of his
party in politics. All things considered it is we'll
he has gotten the place he has. One of his poll
tics fairly entitled to it.
The new Police Commissioners have bonded
but cannot take office for over year yet, as
Messrs. Cotton and Milroys term does not ex-
pire until then NESTOR.