The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-10-28
PORTER AND HIS CENSUS.
PROBABLE iNvESTIGATlONOF HIS
PECULIAR METHODS.

Widespread DissatIs sfsction of His Parti-
san Course-Cause of Fred Douglass De-
tention In washington-Capital News
and Notes In General.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 27.-Ispecial. There
is such widespread dissatisfaction with the
manner in which the Census Bureau has
been administered that a Congressional IN
yestigation is threatened. This discomfort
is not confined to Democrats by any means,
. nor does il relate only TO enumeration and
the taking of statistics. Even Republicans
are compelled TO admit that Porter has
proven altogether incompetent. lie was
appointed not because of any qualifications
he had ever shown for the great work
in hand, but purely for political
reasons. Porter was backed by the pro-
tected manufacturers who made up the
enormous campaign fund for Harrison. He
had earned the support Of these interests
by proving their ready and willing tool.
The protected interests were just preparing
to enforce their demands upon Congress for
the promised reward pledged them by
Wanamaker and others in 1885, when the
STAT frying" process was inaugurated. They
determined TO demand tariff laid on their
own interests, and as an agent or accessory
thereto, it was deemed "A good thing to have
a man at the head Of the Census Bureau
who would serve them without scruple in
collecting and arranging statistics, espe-
cially those relating to manufactures.
Porter also had the support of that reck-
less element OF the Republican party which
would prostitute the census 10 partisan
uses. When he was nominated several cool
and clear-headed Republican Senator'S eX
pressed positive doubts as to the wisdom Of
the selection, asserting that Mr.. Porter had
never, in any manner, shown that he pos
sessed the ability necessary TO the huge
work of directing the census. But he was
confirmed, and now there are clamOrs Of
discomfort and many ugly charges are
being made.
SOME OF THE CHARGES.
Ii is charged, and numerous evidences to
sustain the charge are cited, that the entire
management Of the Bureau has been loose,
careless and eXtrayagant, TO put 1t mildly.
Many appointments have been made
through personal favOritism, aud it is al |
legged that money have been paid to procure |
clerkships. The census officials declare
that if successful applicants for places have
paid commissions, the money has gone to |
outsiders, and that no person in authority i'm |
the Bureau was aware Of IT. Inc further |
charge is made that IN renting quarters for /
the force and in purchasing necessary ma |
terias eXorbitant prices have been paid to |
favored persons.
Only few days ago Secretary Noble, |
upon complaint of several correspondents, |
summoned before him the chief Of an i'm |
nj Il fxt nj oh m ~
partialIty in giving out news. The proof !
was so plain that the chief Of division could |
not deny il, and it was shown that in every |
instance he had Disseminated in favor Of
Republican, newspapers and against those
OF Democratic politics. This is cited To show
the feeling that seems to have peryaded the |
heads Of the Bureau.
PORTER To BE INVESTIGATED.
1t is the ayowed purpose Of New York
to demand an investigation OF
Porter AT the coming ses-
sion Of Congress, aud 10 this end they are
collecting evidence of mismanagement.
They are supported and.aided hy Repubi.
cans OF ST. Paul, and of other localities
where dissatisfaction with POrters work
prevails.
FRED. DOUGLASS DETENTION.
1t is now developed that the detention Of
Fred. Douglass by order OF the state De
partment was inspired by commercial IN
terests, principally Of New York. When
the selection OF Il minister to llayti was
pending, leading business men OF New
York called upon President Harrison and
Secretary Blaine, and earnestly pleaded
against the appointment ola negro. They
stated that growing trade with Hayti was
being deYelOped, ana that II this Govern
a l.sr tff
they were confident that this trade
would be thus fostered. Some of the |
business men who called were familiar
with lIayti and its people by reason Of per
sOnal contact. SOME OF them had branch
establishments there, and were IN the habit
depending portion OF each year in Haytl.
They represented that with the usual negro |
the lIaytians looked down
upon their own race and strongly objected !
to having negro sent as minister from |
this great Government. They further in
sisted that the appointment oi White |
man OF standing and intelligence would be
regarded as great compliment by ialt
and would tend to aid in the building up Of
trade relations.
SECRETARY BLAINE
Certainly, and perhaps the President,
sympathized with the request aud object oi
the New York merchants. but they could |
not see their way clear to getting rid Of
Fred Douglas, who as the greatest of negro
representatives had grown wealthy from
He wanted back his former
place as recorder of deeds Of the District OF /
Columbia with its salary OF from $4,000 t.
$4,000 per year, but that b It To be denied
him as It was promised to Bruce. Al
this juncture ii was intimated 10 Secretary
Blaine that as a matter OF compliment Fred.
Douglass would like to have an OppOrtu-
nifty to decline the Hay tien mission; that AT
his age he would not consent to leave his
comfortable home and 90 70 an unhealthy
climate for the comparatively small salary
Of the mission. This intimatiOn was made
so plain that the tender was made, and at
the state Department information was given
to the press that Douglass would decline.
But the old fox is not given to declining.
He held the matter under adyisemept for
some days, and accepted,
Secretary BLAZING Was very much annoyed
at this sharp practice, but no was power
less just then, Latterly the business pro-
test against the retention OF Douglass has
been renewed, and it is sustained by the
Nicaragua Canal Company, the allega-
ton being that Minister Douglass is too
lazy TO be OF any service; that he
contents himself with indOlently ac-
cepuDS tne duuldllOH q Somc VI HIS
race at Port au-Prince. When Douglass
applied for leave Of absence il was readily
granted, it being hoped that something
might occur to prevent his retnrn 10 liayti.
He was advised that the administration
would highly appreciate an opportunity 10
appoint younger man in his place. This
lntimation was conveyed tO Douglass deli
;ately, and accompanied with the assurance
hat the administration held him in great
esteem, but that business and political
reasons existed for the appointment OF
4 young and active minister. it was
also limited that if Douglass would resign
he administration would cast about for
some other place Tor him better suited 10 his
years. But Douglass was not u be caught
n that trap. He had played the same sori
If game, and suspected that once out OF Of
ice he would remain out Now the admin
,tratiOn is somewhat embarrassed, but he
-oic treatment will be necessary and may be
applied.
REPRESENTATIVE CRISP.
Representative Crisp, 0fGe0rgia, who has
been canvassing in Massachusetts and New
York, was here tonight en- route home. He
saws the Democrats will gain two Goa gress-
men in Massachusetts. Crisp made speeches
0r Tammlny In New York He saws the