The Washington times., 1894-04-22
BENEDICT'S CONFIRMATION
Why Senator German Finds Himself
Not Perspiring Over It.
FAULKNER's SAGE PREDICTION
Secretary Lamont Mainly Responsible for the
3i:New Public Printsr-Advised to Avoid the
Gentleman from Maryland-Hsncs No
HurrY-New York Nominations Slow.

| On the I'd instant the President nominated
| Thomas E. Benedict to the office of Public
Printer The nomination was Immediately
sent to the Printing Committee, and there it
stays. Messrs. German, Ransom and Mander-
son are the members Of that committee They
know Mr.. Benedict well. They are not un-
| mindful Of the fact that he was formerly an
efficient Public Printer, and one Of the most
polite. obliging and popular Of men. And so
| 1t Is that many are at q loss to understand
| why the committee hold up the nomination.
Those who have Investigated the matter are
satisfied that they know the reason.
Mr.. German was not consulted by the
President or his friends as to the selection.
| Mr.. Richardson, chairman of the House
| Printing Committee, was taken into the ad-
| ministration confidence, and he made the
| first announcement to those who had been
| working for a change In that office that a
change would be made. He said he had been
called to the White House and told about it
| by the President. 1t was natural enough that
| the President should consult with the chair
man Of the House committee, for most of the
| legislation that concerns the Printing Office
must pass through Mr.. Richardson's hands.
But there was a double reason, it Is thought,
| Mr.. German should have been taken into the
Presidents confidence. That same legisla-
| ton must run the gauntlet Of his committee,
and the fate of the nominee must inevitably
| fall into his hands.
Secretary Lamont discovered Mr. Benedict
under the previous administration. He en-
| gineered this second appointment.
Between Col. Lamont and Senator German
there does not exist that ELUSIVE cordiality
that usually characterizes the relations OF
such distinguished Democrats. The MARYLAND
Senator Is not a cuckoo Of any degree. and
his estimate OF the wisdom of Col. Lamont's
selection for the war office does not tower
| many stories above his opinion Of Secretary
Gresham. Both the President and Mr.. La
mont cautioned Mr.. BeDedict to hold aloof
from Senator German and by no means
make terms with him to secure confirmation.
This reached the ears Of Senator German. He
had no desire or intention of extorting any
terms from whomever the President might
choose, but when he found himself an OBJ
tect OF White House suspicion, to be stunned,
it was natural that he should not be amiably
dispos dtoward Mr.. Benedict.
The latter has been following his instruc-
tions literally and has held aloof. The Print
ing Committee have expressed no desire to
see him. Having many other pressing mat
tiers on hand, they have not got around to Mr..
Bened1cts case; and II Is not to be presumed
that they will reach it until they are ready.
The Democrats who are anxious for a
change have been interviewing Senator
Faulkner on the subject. He assures them
that there Is no opposition and Mr.. Benedict
will be confirmed. II 1t is not done speedily
he will hurry matters by calling the nomina-
ton up from the Printing Committee. 1t Is
doubtful If Senator Faulkner gave any such
promise. That would be an unheard of inter-
ference with committee prerogatives, and
senatorial courtesy would not tolerate such
an infraction OF its canons. In the sacred
precincts of the cloak room Senator Faulkner
might venture to slap the Marylander on the
back. call him Senator, old man." and then
call up Mr.. Benedict's name under the rose,
but that is as far as he could 60 with senato-
rial courtesy. Even then there is much room
to doubt the value of any satisfaction he
might get if Senator German should be indis-
posed to talk on that subject and inclined to
undermine the administration generally.
The Senate has shown no disposition to
hurry the confirmation of New York appoint
ments. Some Of them have been In commit
tees as much as four or five months, and are
likely to remain there some time longer.