The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1889-09-20
WARRINGTON Letter.
(trom our regular correspondent
WAsuINGToN- d. C. Sent. Is. $3.50.


WASHINGTON. D. c.. Sept. l6, 1880.
Over two months ago predicted in these
columns that as soon as the Milwaukee
encampment of the Grand Army had fold
ed it's tents, Commissioner Tanners official
head would be in the executioner's basket.
The prediction was easy and its Terifica-
ton surprised no one save. perchanee. the
Corporal himself, who wept eopiously
when the Presidents abrupt demand for
his resignation reached him. The Corporal
had met his Waterloo at Milwaukee. when
the Grand Army refused to make his quar-
rel theirs.
Viewed from political standpoint the
removal of Commissioner Tanner is a
heroic measure, the cutting off limb to
save a life. President Harrison recognized
three months ago that the Commissioner
must go and used every available means
to convince him of that necessity. With
an obstinacy characteristic of his inherent
indescretion, the Corporal refused to take
the hint and the kick followed.
friends will demand the publication of the
correspondence between Secretary Noble
and him in which his retirement was first
suggested. Should this be done. it can
only be TO the Corporal's additional morti-
fication, as it would undoubtedly show
that the charges were based upon the
Corporal's incapacity to properly perform
the duties of high position.
President Harrison has only himself to
blame for the Tanner trouble and if any
injury is wrought to the Republican party
be alone is TO blame. None of the fore
most politicians of his party recommended
Mr.. Tanners appointment; indeed, they
went further and protested against it.
Senator Hiscock. of New York, who, being
from the Corporal's own state, might have
been expected to enthusiastically support
him, would not indorse the nomination
after it was made.
Corporal Tanner was simply too small
for the position he occupied. His selection
was due to sentiment and the idea that it
would please the veterans of the Grand
Army. 1t did please them until they dis
covered his weakness and incapacity, of
course, that was enough for them, as the
members are too good citizens to want any
man retained in Office against the best in
terests Of the Republic.
But Mr.. Tanners fall was greatly hast
ened by his vanity and impertineDce.
After his selection rs Commissioner of
pensions he tried to avenge himself in petty
ways upon the members of Congress who
had opposed his appointment. To use his
own expression he turned them all
down." Essentially vulgar man, he be-
came an abusive one, and in becoming
abusive, be unfortunately selected the
wrong victims. He failed to recognize any
power higher than himself When he
found out that the Secretary of the Interior
| had some authority in matters pertaining
to the Pension Office it only served TO raise
his ire He did not know enough to bend
to the inevitable. He chose to break. The
appointment of successor to Commits
/ slOueI dUHeI - t-isdllH5 liic puulic flluu.
To-day il seems most probably that ex-
| Congressman Warner, of Missouri, will be
asked to take the place, in fact lie now has
the offer under final consideration. He is
a man of ability, lawyer learned in the
law, and man of executive ability. Best
of all, from a political standpoint, be is an
ex commander of the Grand Army and his
| appointment would heal any wounds in
that quarter The Grand Army could
hardly question the removal Of one of
their commanders on account Of manifest
incapacity when one still better liked was
selected to succeed him. Mr. Warmers
hesitancy to accept the position is due 10
two causes. In the first place his income
from his bar practice is over $50, 600 per
annum and the major part Of that would
be lost If he accepted the commissioner
ship. In the second place he is now the
aeknow lodged leader Of tile Republican
party in Missouri. IL he should accept a
position under Secretary Noble he would