The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1896-01-20
THE LAND OFFICE SCANDALS.
Washington Democrats Hostile TO Haw-
Lin Nn1xIN L-lnm Kentucky.


kins. Newly FROM Kentucky.
Washington City, Jan. 1S.-Special.-The
removal of Edward X. Hawkins, the Dem
ocratic receiver of the United States land
office at Olympia, has long been thought OF
by the department officials here, but his
aristocratic connections in the South and
strong political backing has kept him in
office much longer than otherwise would
have been the case. Hawkins is said TO be
a Southerner OF most pronounced type.
He was born In North Carolina, but has
lived for long time in the state or Ken
lucky. where he became personal ftlend
and follower of John G.. Carlisle, through
whose influence he secured his appoint
ment as receiver at Olympia, although the
appointment was charged up to the state
Of Washington. This was a clever piece
of political work on Hawkins part. After
he had determined TO get a place under
the present administra ton, he picked out
the state OF Washington as the one most
likely for his purpose. and with the knowl-
edge, il not by the advice. of his hackers,
went out to Aberdeen about six months
prior TO his appointment as receiver. He
was ostelsialy at the head of what was
known as the Aberdeen Improvement
Company, which. II is said, never improved
anything except Mr. Hawkins chances for
a political Job.
OF course, the Democratic leaders in the
state OF Washington, including Hugh Wal
lace, were utterly ignored in the making
OF this appointment, and they have been
on Hawkins trail ever since. Complaints
have been continually coming in regard
ing his proud and overbearing ways.
which were not infrequeatly offensive to
those compelled to transact business with
him. This, however, would have passed
unnoticed If he had rot conducted the bust
ness OF the office IN a slipshod manner. As
a result 81 a thorough investigation OF his
49, III ID Id
upon. Commissioner Lamoreux made the
recommendation for change some time
ago. but Secretary Smith. out of consider
alton for his brother cabinet officer, Sec
rotary Carlisle. has been somewhat slow
to act
OF the applicants for the place whose
names were sent I'm a few days ago, the
two most generally indOrsef by promi-
nent Democrats Of the state are: J. +.
HcManus. Of Everett. and l.. Il. Faulkner,
Of Olympia. The one possessing the most
outside influence. and who, ii is rumored
here, viii likely receive the appoin tment,
IS Michael Hoke now Of Tacoma, but erst-
while a resident Of Georgia. II Is openly
declared that Mr. Hokes residence in
Washington has been acquired for the
same purpose IS was that OF Mr. Haw-
kins a A berdeen
The position Of receiver at Olympia is a
good paying one, the occupant obtaining
up 10 $500. The Olympia district is one
in which a large business is done annually.
and the amount Of fees received usually
brings the receivers salary Up 10 the full
amount.
Another removal is likely 10 be made
about the same time in the state OF Wash
ington. Charges have been preferred
against Albert @. Lloyd. register Of the
United States land Office at Walla Wslla.
and Il Is said these charges have been
sustained - the satisfaction Of the COM
missioner Of the general land office Mr.
Lloyd IS not a carpet baEger. bat has been
resident Of the state for many years lie
was native OF Missouri and one OF
Prices army, who came into the North
west a. the close Of the war Mr.. LLOYD
is p man OF good character and sterling
integrity. and no fault has been found
with him up0n that score; but n IS said
that he resides over forty miles from the
office which he holds. end that he seldom
goes there. leaving the work to Do done by
subordinate clerks. When the fact Of his
probable change becomes known there VIII
likely - a food of applicants fer the
place from among tho Democratic roliti-
clans OF Eastern Washington. The salary
Of the register 1T Walla WailR e. SIS S.
Of which $500 NAV be drawn from the
treasury in cash. the balance 20 be retain
ca by fees taken in by the Office