The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-06-19
Belief that Capt. W. N. Meredith Has Been Cho-
sen Chief of the Bureau of Engraving
The President Deluged with Callers.
Unmerited Abuse Heaped Upon Mr.. Tam
ner for Making Certain Dismissals.
The Failure Of the Cruiser Charleston Charged
to Her English-Planned EngineS-Mr.
KasSOn and the Chinese Ministry.
GOSSIP ABOUT OFFICES.

Treasury Appointments That May Be Made
To-Day-The Presidents Callers.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON. June 1s.-It is generally
believed here that the visit of the Secretary
of the Treasury to the White House to-
morrow will be followed by the appoint
ment of q number of important officials TO
places in OF under the Treasury Depart
ment. One of these viii doubtless be the
Chief of the Bureau of Engraving and
Printing. The presence of Captain Mere
dith in the city. and the somewhat myste-
rious activity of that gentleman through
out the day, leads to the impression that he
has at least received definite intimation
that he is to succeed Mr.. Graves as the chief
of the bureau.
Among the other important bureaus un-
der the Treasury in which there has been
no change thus far is the Coast Survey. 1t
was reported some weeks ago that this place
was to be given to Professor Gould, of
Harvard. The delay in making the. APP
pointment, however, causes the impression
that there has been a change in the pro-
gramme, as there is no real reason why the
Office should not be transferred at any
time. The present incumbent is not
a scientist, but he is an excellent business
man. and his appointment was one of the
very best of Mr.. Cleveland's selections.
From business point of view 1T is desir-
able. but not essential, that the Office should
be filed by business man rather than by
scientist and it is the Presidents desire
to find a man who combines the two quail
fcations The Office carries salary OF
$4,000, and as the advice and consent" OF
the Senate is not necessary the incumbent
need not dread senatorial rejection.
Another important treasury position to
be filled by President Harrison is the
Bureau of Navigation. The very name of
this Office would suggest a sailor as the
head of it. The bureau was created during
Pre- esident Arthurs term, and he appointed
an old sea captain named Patton. Presi-
dent Cleveland did not follow the example
of his predecessor. but chose man from
Maine, whose chief claim TO fame lay IN
the dirty work which be did against Mr..
Blame in 1854 There were several applicants
for this place, and up t0a short time ago it
was thought Captain BaIes. of Buffalo.
was "a "suro winner Lately Batess
chances have seemed 10 be on the wane.
and it is thought the place will go to. some
one else. 1t will doubtless be filled by the
end of the month, and it is one of the posi-
tions which the initiated expect Will be
settled tomorrow.
Secretary Window is understood to have
number of customs and internal revenue
collectors ready. and some of the most i'm
portant of these offices down on the
political quId nuncs' list as certain 10 be
hlled as a result of the regular weekly
meeting between the President and his
Secretary of the Treasury.
In anticipation of the Treasury change
to be expected tomorrow the Presidents
callers were more numerous and persistent
gressmen followed each other in almost
endless procession, each with his tale TO
pour into the ear of the President. Gen.
Harrison listened with his accustomed
R%pesSSIe R1,easfSI but for OF hi to reca @ai
one-half the gentle mnrmurings which
were poured upon him. and yet every indi-
ylduai caller doubtless thought that he
was making profound impression; It
frequently happens that the callers delay
business instead of promoting IL. Every
Congressman seems bound to have last
word, even though, as often happens. the
appointing power has decided upon just the
nan the Congressman wants.
A case in point came up day or two ago.
An official had been appointed under the
Department of Justice, just as a certain
Congressman was filing some more papers
III Attorney general Milier's office. As he
left the building that member learned that
the Office had been filled. He did not stop
to inquire who was the winnin g man be-
fore he began TO swear about the haste dis
played, when the Attorney general knew
that he had more papers To file. The
Attorney-general was at Ihnch. Ten
minutes after the Congressman had
relieved his mind he discovered that it was
his man had won the race. He has not
been so hasty in pronouncing judgment
since.
1t is probable that many of the delayed
appointments, besides those under the
Treasury Department will be made within
the next ten days. The President and his
secretaries will want to close up as nearly
as possible with the fiscal year. and. be-
sides, several of them will start on brief
vacations within the next two weeks.