New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-06
PRICE THREE CENTS
NEW-Y0RK APPOINTMENTS
JOEL b ERHARDT COLLECTOR, AND COR;
EELIUs VAN CoTT FOR POSTMASTER!
rHE SELECTIONS MEET WITH cENEHAL Ar<
PRoyAL-TtiE PRESIDENTS ACTION on
OTHER NEwYoRK OFFICES DEFERRMD
FOR THE PRESENT AT LEAST IA

lBy TELEGRAPH TO THE rRrsuzE1
Washington, April 5.--The President to-day on
pointed Joel B. Erhardt to be Collector of Gus
toms in Rew-Yorlx, and Cornelius Van Cott TO be
Postmaster of New-York Botr of these appoint
ments, as already announced in these iispatchea
were decided upon by the President yesterday.
Ihey were, therefore, neither surprise TO the
New-York politicians gathered here nor diap-
pointnent to those who were haunted by the idea
yesterday that the President might, at the last
moment, be induced to change his mind Not =
word OF adverse criticism is heard tonight regard
ing the Presidents selections On the contrary.
IN every quarter, and among representing every
possible shade Of political opinion Republicans at
least, praise only and words Of commendation are
bestowed upon the two appointments. A discordans
note is struck here and there by an infuriated
Mugwump because Of the retirement Of Postmastcr
Pearson, but it is lost almost entirely in the !,
chorus Of approval which greets the selection Of
bis successor Against the appointments Of Mr.
Erhardt, however even Mugwumps have nothing
to say. They kindly concede that it is unex-i
ceptionable, and 20 so far even as to admit that
it is somewhat of an Improvement upon Mr.
Magone. Democrats maintain an air Of in
difference They express no sympathy for
Magone, nor have they a single tear to shed for
the fate Of Pearson.
Joel B. Erhardts appointment is looked upon as
@ singularly happy one He has the confidence
of the business community: not the least among
the many considerations which finally determined
the President in selecting him for the important
office Of Collector of the Port. 1t wiI Of course!
be said that il is Platt appointment" and while
this Is to some extent true, il is equally true that
Mr.. Erhardt's appointment has been opposed bYi
faction and in no ones interest since his name
gnok onfIrr
with the COllectorsbip. He has had from
the beginning the cordial support OF
all. Baving no friends to reward and
no enemies to punish, his Administrations
is looked forward to by politicians here destined
TO be one of success; credit to himself, to the
President who appointed him, and to the party
Of which he has been a conspicuous member for
many years.
Mr. Van Cott, like Mr.. Erhardt has never prom
inenty identified himself with any of the factions
of the party in New-York. He has at all times
been Republican, loyalty devoted to the interests
Of the party, without reference to the preiudices
or predictions of any particular set OF politicians
His term in the State Senate has been too short,
perhaps, TO develop those qualities which friends
who know him best say make his appointment az
Postmaster sngularly happy one They point
however, to his record as Fire Commissioner
and not without TeaSon-as q proof that he pos
sesses those administrative qualities and powers
Of organization which so requisite in an Office
like that for which he has been chosen.
AS far the other important New-York ap-
pointments are concerned, it is safe to say that
they will not be considered by the President for
the present, at least, and perhaps not until the
terms Of incumbents have expired. That
much was limited at in these dispatches soma
time ago. 1t seems almost certain now. OF
course this win greatly pain the quidnuncs and
soothsayers who fix states to suit their own fancy
every day; give straight tips to unsrspecting
visitors, and pretend always to have the latess
from who is on the inside at the White
House." They had promised an Appraiser.
Surveyor, a Naval Officer, District-Attdrney
and q Marshal, as well as Postmaster and
Collector; and tonight they are trying 20 e1-
plain how and why the = slate' was broken" the
deal declared off,"
IL will occur TO none of them, probably, TO say
that there was no slate to be broken, no DEAF
to be declared Off. But they will continue in their
harmless occupation nevertheless. For their COM
fort, at least, it may be. mentioned that the term
Of the Naval Officer will not expire until May 90,
1890, and that Of the Surveyor not until Junel0 0.
1890. George " Brower the present General APP
praiser, was appointed July II, 1886. The Presi-
dent may, of course, decide 70 remove any one or
all of these officers before their terms expire, but
Such certainly, is not it is believed, his intention
at present