Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-03-11
I'd EDITION.
CONTINUED FROM Sth page
THE DISTRICT DEMOCRACY.
The Desirable Offices and the Men who May
FIJI Them.

The PRESIDENT MAY WAIT SOME MONTHS BE-
FORE FILLING LOCAL oFFIcEs-THE sITUA-
TON As 1T APPEARS TO WELL POSTED MEN
THE LEADERS OF VARIOUS FACTIONS.
There are two facts in regard to appoint
ments to the District Offices under the present
administration, which are generally conceded
by the best posted men. One is that
the rule relative to appointments of ex-office
holders will be adhered to in selecting
men for places in the District. The other fact
of importance is that in all probability the
President will not be able to give any atten-
ton TO the matter of the District appoint
ments for some months at least. In addition.
the terms of the various officers do not
expire for some time to come. and the general
impression is that the present incumbents will
be allowed to finish out their terms. For
example. the official term of the marshal of
the District Mr.. Ransdell does not expire
until June. This place has always been
looked upon as in a measure personal appoint
ment of the President. and there is no reason
to believe that President Cleveland will take
different view.
FACTIONS AMONG DISTRICT DEMOCRATS.
When the President takes up the subject of
the appointments to the District offices he will
be confronted with situation which, to one
less familiar with local politics here,
would to be rather compli-
Gated one. The fractional differences which
came to a head in the selection of delegates to
go to the nominating convention in Chicago
are as pronounced and. SO to speak, as
violent as ever. There are three distinct
factions which have resulted the culmina-
ton of the difficulties that have set
the leaders among the local politicians at
variance with each other. What was
once the Norris faction is divided into
two hostile camps. He has strong fol-
lowing and also strong and bitter opposi-
ton. With Mr.. Norris the recognized
leader ozone faction. and Mr.. Wilson occupying
a similar position. whether with his consent or
not. at the head of another. there is still left
respectable and influential contingent who look
to Mr.. Lawrence Gardner for guidance in
political affairs.
DESIRABLE PLACES.
The positions that are conspicuous and which
are looked upon az desirable plums on the
local tree of democratic victory those of the
marshal of the district, the recorder
of deeds. the register of wills. the
city post Office. the District attorneyship,
and TIE collector of the port of Georgetown.
There are. of course. several important and
lucrative positions in the District Government,
but these are under the District Commits
sioners. and the wishes of the Commissioners
IN the matter of appointments to these places
are generally regarded by the powers that be.
Local politicians do not entertain any strong
hope that there will be changes made in such
Offices as that OF the collector OF taxes and
the assessor of the District until some time
next fall. At that time the term of
service of Commissioner Ross expires, and n
new man will be selected IN his stead. The
other changes are expected TO follow It is not
generally believed tina: Mr.. Ross il disposed to
mn cha aud nj l.,
pected that MIR. Parker is not anxious to Dust
republicans in order to fill their places with
democrats.
As to the other places named there is a small
army OF candidates already in the field.
These may be divided into three classes
representing the three local factions
into which the District democracy is tli-
vided. In addition there are applicants for
all these places. who are not actively connected
with local politics and whose appointment is
advocated on the ground of their being able to
give a good administration of their Offices.
They not in the field politicians.
In spite of the fact that Mr.. A. A. Wilson
filed the Office of marshal of the District dur
ing Mr.. Clevelands first administration, and
therefore under the rules above men
toned is not eligible for reappoint-
ment. there are a great many who believe
that he will be President Cleyeland's choice for
the place Ii is asserted that Mr.. James J..
Norris would like to have the place and in any
event he desires TO name the man. and if this |
desire is grathed il is sud that be would select
Mr.. ". cranch McIntire. Mr.. Lawrence I.
Gardner il also credited with desire TO hold
that position.
In speaking today Of the probable success |
sor of United States Marshal Eansdell gen. !
tleman prominent in local democratic circles !
stated that Mr.. A. A. Wilson. who held that !
position under President Cleveland eight !
years ago, would not apply for reappoint- |!
ment TO his former position, bat that he pre- !
ferred an appointment in the diplomatic or con- |
sular service of the government and that it !
such position. Ii was also stated upou the |
same authority that while Mr.. James l.. |
Norris felt somewhat reluctant about permit
ting his name 70 be mentioned in connection
with any Office. it was being urged upon him
that he should not take such a stand in
view of his services in behalf of
his party and the great desire of
his friends that his services should be recoS-
niZed by appointment to some honored
position. In view OF such reasons being upon |
him it was explained that Mr.. Norris had about |
consented to accept such position should it be
rendered to him. although 1t was said that |
he would not allow any contest TO be made in !
the matter. just what place Mr.. Norris would |
consent to accept il was not definitely stated !
although il was said that should he be rendered |
the marsfnlship of the District or the commits !
sionership of patents he would feel constrained !
in Difference TO the wishes of his friends 10 !
accept
In regard to the position Of register of wills !
Mr.. Thomas j.. Luttrell is being pushed while |
MIR. Robert Ball is looked upon being the |
man that Mr. Norris wonld like to see ST.
lected. As to the recorder of deeds Mr.. Dorsey |
Clagett is being urged by his friends to FIJI that
place. In the event that 1ir. Cagett fails ito |
get there Mr.. &. ". Darr is looked !
upon az n good man for the place. Mr. |
j. Fred Kelly is said to be candi- |
date. while Dr. W. +. Young has the indorse- |
rnent of large number of citizens of the |
District urging his appointment. The friends |
of Mr.. James J.. Wiiiett wouid like TO see !
him III the chair now occupied by City Post !
master Sherwood, whose term. by the way. does |
not expire for some months to come. Mr.. j. /,
Harrison johnson is looked upon as a caEdi- |
date representing the Norris party. while the |
appointment of Mr.. II. l.. Biscoe is said to |
be favored. by Mr.. Gardner. Mr.. Mills |
Dean is said to have strong back |
ing for this place. For the position of
collector of the port of Georgetown the names
of ii. W. Blunt, ". A. Hutchins and Richard
Cropley are mentioned. As the term of the |
present incumbent expires in May it is thought
this may be the first appointment made in the
District under the present administration.
THE DISTRICT ArIoRNEYsHIP.
There is some complaint among the st,lwart
democrats that the commission of Mr.. Arthur