The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-29
PRINTER BENEDICT.
He Will Fail of Confirmation Because He Is
Not Practical Printer.
Special TO the Indianapolis Journal

He Will Fail of Confirmation Because He Is
Not "a Practical Printer.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Dec. 28-Public Printer Bene-
diet will undoubtedly fail of confirmation The
law requires ma, to be practical printer
and to have a knowledge of book binding to be
eligible to the position. 1t is asserted that Ben
edict never learned more of the art than the run
of the cases; that is. he learned the boxes, and
how to pick up slowly, straight matter; that he
never set piece of tabular work or display
job; has no experience in making up forms,
going to press, and the other work which makes
practical printer
1t is even charged that he had forgotten the
boxes, and that he went to New York recently.
shut himself ND in a room, and set type several
days to brighten up Ie this is true, what he
has learned, byit will do him ia good, as the
law requires him to be practical printei 1t the
time of his appointment. While Benedict was
absent in New York the Senate committee on
appropriations was considering the urgency de-
iciency bill, which made large appropriation
for the Government Printing Office. Benedict
was sent for, but being away-by design, it is
believed-his brother; who is said to be good
ptlubSi, Wchb W tHo COuIuleleC w ueu dSheu
why the Public Printer did not present himself
the brother stated that he was in New York on
important private business" The committee
concluded that if the Public Printer could leave
his office and go to New York on private bust
ness the Office surely did not need an immediate
appropriation, and deferred action
1t is stated that Benedict will be called before
the Senate committee on printing to stand an
examination as to his qualifications. before
practical printers, and that he is working day
and night to be prepared for ii. He is also
working himself up among the Republican as
well as Democratic Senators. A number who
have not asked for appointments under the Pub
lie Printer have been surprised to receive, dur
ing the past fortnight, letter, stating that
and-so have been appointed, reappointed or re-
tanned to the credit of the Senator. Some of
these letters contained names of appointees whom
they never heard of. Whenever an application
was received from State where Senator lives
whose influence was desired, the Public Printer
seems to have jumped to make the appointment,
charge it to the Senator, and then notify him.
1t is said by Democrats that Republican Sena-
tors, just at this time, have more influence at
the Government Printing Office than those in
his party.
When the Public Printer first went into his
Office he did not think of confirmation, it seems.
He bluntly announced that the recommendation
of Senators, etc, would do no good that he was
able to discharge or select employees without ad-
vice. One man, who is a protege of Senator
Kenna, of West Virginia, upon being reinstated
told: 81 do not do this for Senator Kenna;
am not courting anybody; but do 1t myself
for YOU" Another person applied with letter
from Senator Voorhees,. The Public Printer is
quoted as saying: II cannot keep you for Sena-
tor Voorhees,, or anybody else. Besides, want
these Democrats and Republicans to understand
that they cannot influence me in the slightest
degree" When it dawned upon Benedict that
lie was not likely to be confirmed he began to
make appointments for Senators without soici-
tation.