The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-10-29
MIR. MANN WAS RETIRED.
THE UNITED STLTES dTTORNEr Sc
LECIS ms OWy dssISTdNT.
Interesting Correspondence between Mr..
Mann and tho Attorney General
Relative Thereto.


who has held the Office of Assistant
United States Attorney for the Eastern
district OF Virginia since May. 1885 re-
ceived to-day the following telegram a
announcing the appointment OF some one
else in his place.
Washington. ID. c.. oct, %, 1896.
Mann. Assistant United States Attor-
ney, Petersburg, Va:
Another assistant just appointed. Your
term will end to-day.
HARMON"
THE CORRESPONDENCE.
The following correspondence between
speaks for itself:
Petersburg, Va, oct. Is, 1896
The Attorney-General, Washington. p.
c.:
Sir,-Yesterday morning l went TO Nor
folk TO report IN person ~ Nj. William
IL. White. the newly-appO!nted United
States Attorney Tor this district. 1 was
told by Mr.. White that you mad informed
him that the commission OF tine United
State Assistant Attorney expired with
that of United States Attorney and
that he was at liberty to suggest some
one for appointment at your hands
lie also informed me that there were sew
eral applicants for the position, but he
mad declined or would cCcline, to take
responsibility of making recommends
ton, ana would leave the matter with
YOU. In consideration Of these circun-
starces, l msy therefore comm uniCate
with you on this subject without ignOr-
ing Mr.. White or violating any OF -he
proprieties which the occasion demands
As far as / am Informed no charges
have beer lodged against me. and de-
sire therefore, 10 respectfully make M
plicatiOn for continuance in my present
position, or, for reappointment. should
you deem proceeding necessary in my
case. l was appointed lssilt9nt United
States Attorney in May, 1893. at the per
son3l request of the President. and held
the office continuously from that date
until Jure "a. 1895. when. under the ncN
lew reg Iatng the appointment of As
sistant United State Attorney, / was
reappointed at the suggestion of Mr.. Las
sitter, who testified in has letter Of re-
commentator. TO the satisfactory man.
ner in which / had discharged my Official
duties.
! respectfully refer to Mr. Lasster
for any information concerning my con-
nection with the Office since that
time.
From the tenor Of your correspondence
with Mr. Lassiter incident to his re-
cent resignation. / conclude that the de-
partment will not attempt TO regulate
the political opinions OF its officers. nor
their political affiliations. provided their
action IS not contrary to public policy.
In order. however that there may be
no misunderstanding / desire TO state
that l am now and always have been.
consistent Democrat ana while | have
taken no specially active part i'm the
pending campaign. I am supporter Of
Mr.. Bryan, and shan cast my vote for
the nominees of the Democratic Nation
q. Convention. II this latter fact does
not weigh with you, / shall be glad to
be continued in my present position
H. however, my atiliation with the
Iemocfaiic party Is calculated % en-
Dalrass departments. you have but 10
suggest that my resignation be agree
able. and II shall be Immediately forth
coming. Mr.. White informed me that he
would probably see you in a day or two
hence ! have written this letter in or
DER that my application might be filed
before you discuss the Meter with him.
h1f' Ni4@ HolDlf SIT. TO Doe
Very respectfully.
(Signed) WAL HENRY MANN.
ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S REPLY.
Washington. D. C.. oct. L.. 1896
Mr.. William Henry Mann. Assistant
United States Attorney. Petersburg
Va:
Sir,-I have received your letter Of the
18th instant. / did tell Mr.. White that
the policy Of the department is TO permit
United States attorneys 10 select their
own assistants. although they are techni-
cally appointed by the Attornev-General
1t has been found that any other course
Is apt to result in embarrassment and
difficulty. In order TO hold q man fully
responsible for the conduct of his .oGice
ne must have the choosing of his sub
ordinates.
Such persons will be appointed there
fore, as assistant TO Mr.. White as he
may prefer. lie has not yet Indicated
any choice. You are entirely right I'm
the conclusion which you say you have
drawn from my correspondence with Mr.
Lassiter relating 10 his resignation. that
this department makes no attempt 10 in
terfere with the political opinions or
affiliations of any it's officers. so that the
question OF your retention In your pres
ent position will be decided. so far as [
am concerned. entirely upon other than
political considerations.
Very respectfully.
(SlgneO SCDSON HARMON,
Attorney-General
MR.. MANN'S POSITION.
Petersburg Nl (laf