Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-06-21
ESPECIAL rrLEeRAM TO III. DrsrArcH.I

ESPECIAL TrLEeRAM TO THE DrsPArcH.I
WASHINGTON, June 20.-The colored
politicians who came here from the South
ern States are greatly displeased with Post
master General Wanamaker, and they ac-
cuse him Of gross incivility toward them on
many occasions. Three South Carolina Re
publicans. one white man and two colored
men, called at the Postofice Department to
consult Mr.. Wanamaker on the subject Of
removing the Democratic postmaster at
Charleston and appoint colored Repub-
llcan.
The trio consisted of ex-Congressman Bob
Smalls, Collector of Customs at Beaufort,
Tom Miller, contestant for Congressman
Elliott's seat in Congress from the Seventh
Carolina district, and q nited States Marshal
Cunningham, one of the wealthiest and
most popular white Republicans in South
Carolina.
JUST A LITTLE SHY.
Miller was little shy about calling on
the Postmaster General, because the latter
on several former occasions intimated very
clearly that he was not inclined to grant
any requests coming from that source.
However. Smalls insisted that it was desira-
be that they should make an effort in be-
half of their colore6 brother Crum, who in
an applicant for the Charleston Postmaster
ship, SO they called on the Postmaster Gen.
eral.
Arriving at the door leading to Wsna-
makers office they were informed that they
must send in their cards before obtaining
admission to the inner chamber. This was
an unusual experience for ex-Congressman
Smalls, and he did not hesitate to say so in
most emphatic terms. Miller reminded
him that it was one OF the peculiarities OF
the Postmaster General, as far as colored
Republicans are concerned.
A CASE OF DISCRIMINATION.
Smalls insisted that other members OF the
Cabinet make no such discrimination, and
his blood boiled with indignation. 1t was
bad enough to have the door closed in his.
face, but the idea of being subjected to such
an indignity in the presence of his hated
rival, Miller, and Marshal Cunningham
was almost too much ior the dusky eI-
Congressman.
In spite of his protests he and his COM
panions were obliged to cool their heels In
the hallway for more than half an hour.
Finally Mr.. Wanamaker appeared at the
doorway of his office and the South Caro-
lima contingent arose, expecting to be In
yited to walk in. In this they were disap-
pointed, for Mr.. Wanamaker stood directly
In the doorway and informed his callers that
they might unburden themselves then and
there.
Miller promptly remarked that he
had no business with the Postmaster Cen
eral and was there simply to accommodate
his friend Smalls. The latter managed to
stammer out something about the Charles
ton postofice, but was choked of with the
declaration that the present postmaster is
conducting the affairs of that office in q
manner highly satisfactory to the business
people of Charleston and the department,
and change at this time was not deemed
advisable.
NO TIME FOR ARGUMENT.
Smalls was disposed to argue the ques-
ton, but Mr.. Wanamaker cut MIN short by
intimating that if he did not like the ruling
OF the Postofice Department on this subject
he might appeal to the President. Over
come with rage and modification Smalls
and his companions withdrew, the former
vowing that he would 60 directly to the
President and complain of Wsnamaker's
treatment. Miller, who is more diplomatic,
because of his pending contest, suggested
that the President would probably sustain
the action of the Postmaster General, and
in that event a trip to the White House
would simplyibe double barreled rebuff.
Miller therefore declined TO call upon the
President. He was secretly delighted that
his rival for Congress was turned down by
the Postmaster General, and he inwardly
rejoices that Smalls will not have the sup
port of the administration in the coming
contest for the nomination from the Seventh
district OF South Carolina.