Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1889-05-30

I
The applicants for the Paris consulate
are said not to be so numerous as under
Mr.. Cleveland's administration, when
they reached 5000. 1t is understood
that the present incumbent will be re-
tanned until next fall.
In the possession of the First Assis-
tant Secretary Of State is an alphabet
cal list of consulates, with blue check
against the name of every place for
which somebody has been decided
upon by the State department, subject
to the endorsement of the President. 1t
is the frequent failure of the President
to approve Of the blue marks that have
thus far delayed the appointment Of the
entire selection of consuls. The list is
occasionally flashed on too lmportu-
nate candidate to show him that the
place is already "mortgaged', but mas
much as the candidate generally ex-
presses his willingness to accept any
other consulate the remedy has no
efficacy.
In the speculation concerning the
appointment of this or that candidate
to the vacancy in the Supreme Court,
the unwritten law Of custom seems to
be dlsregarded. Vacancies have, by
this law generally been filled by ap-
pointment Of a Judge of the circuit from
which the last incumbent was chosen.
In that way the Supreme Court becomes
representative of the several circuits
and where State and National laws
conflict some one can always be found
on the bench to expound them from an
intimate knowledge. The OILY excep'
tions to this rule grew out Of the civil
war and the reorganization period.
Therefore to appoint Attorney General
Miller or Circuit Judge Gresham or
District Judge Woods will be a viola
ton of reasonable custom. If Presl.
dent Harrison follows precedent, he
Will look for Justice Matthew s success
OR in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee or
Michigan.
Pension Commissioner Tanner has de-
cided that under the law pensioners
who have lost both an arm and leg are
entitled to $72 per month, the same as
if both legs and both arms were gone.
The number, so far as known affect
ed by this decision is 81. While it is
manifestly wilful misconstruction of
the law, which unfortunately admits of
no such reading, the rating is just and
equitable. 1t was suggested to Com
missioner Tanner that he wait until
next winter and let Congress pass law
allowing the rate, but he preferred to
do his own legslating.
Local society is on delightful tip.toe
of expectancy over semi-offi an
nounceme hts and rumors of marriages
to be. Justice Horace Gray. he of the
handsome face and the renowned ha.
tired for his court brother Lamar, on
June 9Th, will we'd the daughter Of his
recently deceased colleague JUST ce
Matthews. Owing to the fact that Mr..
Matthews has been dead so short time
the fulfllment of the vows that were
pledged during his illness will be rig
idly ceremonial and the witnesses con.
fined to the immediate relatives The
groom is a bachelor of sixty two years
over six feet four inches tall and an I'm.
usually handsome man. Indeed, he is
deemed the handsomest member Of the
Supreme Court. He is of old Massa.
chusetts stock, his ancestors having
burned witches and eft into the Reyo.
luton" in true orthodox style. The
bride, Miss Jean Matthews is also Of
Revolutionary lineage, and is lady Of
fine abilities. The honeymoon will be
passed in Europe and on their return
the couple will occupy the Justices fine
residence here, brick reproduction of
the New England architecture of the
colonial period.
The President has decided that here.
after the list Of eligibles for appoint.
ment to the public services, together
with their standing shall be made pub
lie. Under the idea that if it were
made public, politicians would bring
pressure to bear for the appointment Of
certain man, the list have been up to
this time kept.
Twenty.eight cents were received by
the Secretary for the Treasury on Tues
day as a contribution to the conscience
fund. The envelope was postmarked
Washington, D. G., and there are many
sly chances passing between the ex army
contractors and attorneys for all sorts
of schemes who throng the city just
now and disturb the placid repose Of