The Brookhaven leader., 1889-08-29
WASHINGTON LETTER.
A Visit to the Department Of the In
terIor-How Its Affairs Arc Conducted
The Secretary a Hard Worked OficiaL
Special Correspondence.

Especial Correspondence
The most massive, beautiful and perfect
public building in Washington City Is occu-
pied by the Interior Department For many
years it was known as the Patent ONCE
building and retains that name among the
older inhabitants Of the National capital
until this day. The Office of the Secretary Is
upon the second floor in the southeast corner
of the building. 1t Is a very commodious
room, beautifully frescoed, and has a large
ante-room adjoining 1t into which the Sec
retary can go with department officials and
public men for private consultation upon
matters of Importance. Under former ad-
ministrations the Secretary was approached
by cards from the general public which
were brought to him by the messenger
who guarded his door. The late Secretary
Villas finding himself too often annoyed by
the presentation Of cards, closed the en-
trance from the hall and required the public
to enter through small ante-room which
is occupied by the private secretary.
Colonel Villas selected for that position Mr..
John T. Hume, of Wisconsin. Mr. Hume
had formerly been committee clerk to the
Committee on Agriculture in the House OF
Representatives and in that position be-
came acquainted with nearly all OF the
public men of our day. His selection was
wise one and he has been thus far retained
by Secretary Noble.
Mr.. Hume Is frequently able to dispose Of
| at least one-third Of the people who call to
see the Secretary OF the Interior. They
throng his room and he goes from one to
| another inquiring their business, and send
| ing them to the various bureaus OF the de-
partment to which they should originally
| - 4ha Co, asa,@x
| Of the Interior about pensions when they
should go to Assistant Secretary Bussey.
| They come about land matters when they
should go to First Assistant Secretary
| Chandler. They seek to file papers looking
| to their appointment to Office when they
should go to the appointment clerk; thus
one by one Mr.. Hume, having ascertained
| the business of the callers, disposes OF them
| and relieves the Secretary of great deal
| of time and wear and tear Of nerve force
| OF course you understand that the Sena
tors and Representatives Of the people are
admitted to the room of the Secretary Of the
Interior; in fact, to the room of any Cabi
net officer without sending in their card:
and without any delay. Mr.. Hume knows
| all of these gentlemen and politely open!
the door for them when they call.
The Secretary Of the Interior has an i'm
monse amount Of work to do, for the depart
ment committed TO his care is a great anC
growing one. The Land Office, the Pension
Office, the Patent Office, the Indian Office
| and other minor bureaus are under his con
| troll, and the heads Of those bureaus witt
their chiefs of divisions are obliged to see
the Secretary and present matters to hin
for his approval or disapproval, and for hi:
signature or the Withholding thereof, every
| day and almost every hour. Patents, pen
sions and public lands constantly produce
law and equity questions which can be de
cided only by the Secretary, who is the
board Of final appeal in all cases. The 10
eumbent Of that office must therefore be {
learned and ready lawyer. To receive the