Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-07-06
POST OFFICE PLUMS
Local Democrats Looking at Them With
Longing Eyes.
But the Present Incumbents VIII Probably
Continue In ONCE for Some Time
Yet-The Postal Patronage.

The local democratic politicians are fixing
hungry and covetous eyes upon the postal pa
tronage Of this city. There are quite a number
Of desirable positions under the postal service
Of Washington that would not be disdained by
the faithful when the distribution of local pa
tronage is made.
1t is understood, however, that the Office
seekers are not receiving much encouragement
from Postmaster General Bissell as to changes
in the immediate future. 1t is thought very
likely, from the present indications. that the
incumbents will be permitted to draw salaries
for some time to come.
The city postal patronage is quite extensive.
The juiciest plum, of courBe, on the tree is the
Office Of city postmaster. The functions OF
this Office are now performed by Mr.. Henry
Sherwood, whose term does not expire until
September, 1894. and there is good cause to
believe that he will not be disturbed before
that expiration. Mr.. Sherwood has made an
exceptionally good postmaster. He brought to
his Office the advantage Of long experience in
the postal service and thorough acquaintance
with local matters gained by his tenure of the
Office OF assistant postmaster under Mr.. Frank
Conger and also under Commissioner Ross
when he was postmaster.
In addition to the several minor positions Of
desirability in the city post Office proper there
are four superintendents Of branch offices at
good salaries. averaging about 81 600 per year.
These Offices are the street station, presided
over by Scott Towers, man with long expert
ence in the business; the East Capitol street
station. where Fred Grant holds forth to the
satisfaction of residents of the Hill; the south
west station, on ~ street. under the capable
management OF A. c. Irvine, and the George
town station.
The Georgetown Office. however, has long
been under the charge of Mrs. Blackford,
through both republican and democratic ad-
ministrations, and it il not thought that any
change will be made there. An applicant for
this Office would, it is said, experience difficulty
in convincing the department that he is the
choice Of the people for the place. for there is
prevailing idea In Georgetown that Mrs. Black
ford is the proper person for the position she
now occupies.
There are also fourteen substatons through
out the city, usually located in drug stores, that
pay from 500 to $500 per year. A change in
the administration Of the main Office might re-
suit In the shifting Of . few Of these. In addi-
ton there are twenty ty-seven stamp offices paying
$24 per year, located in convenient places, for
the sale Of stsmps.
1t is understood at the Post Office Depart
mcnt that there is not likely to be any material
increase Of force for the city post office this
fall, as the department thinks that Mr.. Sher-
wood is pretty we'll provided for in the way Of
clerical force and carriers already. The con-
vening Of Congress will. of course, make things
livelier around the Office during the summer.
but it is thought that the present force will be
able to handle the business.