St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1894-05-08
THE MANKAro PosToFF1oE.
Generous Rivalry of the Two
Leading Candidates.

SpcCldl W tuO 0iOpOs
WASHINGTON. May THE postoffice
contest as developed over the govern
ment job soon to be assigned to some
good Democrat in Mankato, is one of
the most peaceful political shindies that
has been brought to the attention of the
Washington authorities during this ad-
ministration. The two leading candi.
dates spent most Of last week in Wash
ington, and were frequently seen to-
ge.her taking In the sights in company
and apparently on the best Of terms
with each other. The relative claims
of the two men are about as follows:
John G. Wise is one of the pioneer
Democratic editors of the state, having
been connected with some MankatO
newspaper since 1859. He was appoint
ed postmaster of his city by President
Cleveland during his first administra-
tion, but was turned under by Senator
Sabin defeating his confirmation. MIR.
Wise has been prominent in the politics
of the state for more than a generation
past, is now member of the Democratic
state central committee and is editor
and chief owuer of the Mankato Daily
Review. He is supported by the central
committee, recommended by Mr.. Doran
and large number of leading old
settlers Of all shades of political opinion.
Henry Robel is thirty-four years old,
having been born IN Mankato in 1860.
His parents were German, and settled
on a claim near that city IN 1855. For
many years he has been an active po-
litical worker in the Democratic ranks,
always faithful to his party nominees.
and ready to make any personal sac
rifice in the interest of party harmony.
1t therefore goes without saying that
Mr. Robel is very largely supported by
the leading Democrats of his city. In
deed Mr.. Wise admits that Robels local
following is larger than his own.
There Is one feature of this Mankato
canvass for the postofice which might
be proftably followed by other aspir-
ants for high official positions. The
two leading aspirants speak In the
highest terms of each other. For In
stance, there is rule In the postofice
department here that no man who has
ever sold liquor shall be appointed to
any postoffice in the same town where
such liquor was sold. Mr.. Robcl has
been charged in writing with having
some years ago sold liquor in Mankato.
In relation to. this charge Mr.. Wise
says: "That charge is an unfair one,
and should not be permitted to affectthe
result one way or another. do not
know whether Henry ever sold liquor in
Mankato. If he din. it was lo"g time
ago, and should be barred by the statute
of limitations. He kept hotel once
wherein liquor was sold. but think he
did not own the bar. But, anyhow, he
is good citizen. good Democrat. and
an active worker, and would make an
entirely satisfactory postmaster"
Mr.. Robel, on his part. speaks kindly
of Mr.. Wise as an old and valuable
citizen. and says he wants him to have
the Office if he lRobeD cannot secure it.
The papers in the case are now being
examined by the postmaster general,
and it seems very probable that prompt
action of some kind will be had i'm
mediately after the 14th, at which time
the term of the present incumbent ex-
pires. Robel left for New York on
Saturday. and Wise departed for
Hagerstown, Maryland, on the same
day. Both of them expect to return to
Mankato by the last of next week.
Meantime. Mr.. P. K. Wiser, prom
inent business man of Mankato, looms
up as third man who is willing to be
the compromise If the two contending
candidates are turned down, as has
happened iu some previous case.