Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1896-12-16
Who Will get the Offices /?

several very nice official plums hang
ing upon the political tree. There is
the District Attorneys office, there is
the Collectorship and the MarshalPs
office, to say nothing of those less lu-
crative and imposing. All of these
hang temptingly, and we can almost
imagine that we see the gaping, drip
ping mouths of numerous republicans
|-nameless here of course-as they
sit under the spreading branches of
this imposing tree and look up visit
fully, longingly, hopefully at the
luscious fruit. IT'S an ill wind that
blows no good. So at this time there
are many gentlemen in this quarter
warming themselves with the hope
that the gale of the third of November
last. has blown something real through
the paneless windows of their humble
abodes. It is asserted that there will
be rush for every conceivable place
within the gift of the incoming admin
istration, caused not by that feeling
of course, which would animate sue
cessful democracy, that ito the victor
belong the spoils.'' but to that higher
and more patriotic motive which in
spires every republican, to-wit: that,
''the country is never SO safe as when
in republican hands," Civil Service,
it is said, will count for little, because
offensive partizan," or any other
term can be easily fitted to the person
of a democratic Office holder, with
sufficient firmness to haul him down
from his place. The plums we have
mentioned are such as statesmen from
Rockingham, Shenandoah, Rock
bridge, Botetourt, or from other por-
tions of the State may compete for;
but there is another large and iucious
bit of fruit hanging amongst the top
most branches, the aspirants for which
will be limited to the confines of our
own city. That is the Postoffice. This
position is now exceedingly attractive.
It carries with it a comfortable salary,
it likewise has an element of patron.
age, the building is no longer gloomy
damp, dingy store room, filed with
noxious fumes from wet and mouldy
mail sacks, heated by "a red hot
demon of stove," badly lighted and
with the worst possible ventilation. A
palaGal place that postoffice; modern,
comfortable, in fact, luxurious. Does
anybody want the position Well,
hardly any. There are probably not
over one thousand, and certainly not
less than six hundred in this city, who
would feel flattered. How many of
these noble six hundred" stand any
chance in this official race? Very few,
the politicians say.
| 1t is asserted, and generally believed
that the next member of Congress from
this district will absolutely control and
dictate the investment of this coveted
prize, and this idea carries with ii
much force. 1t would certainly be sin
gular treatment, in fact direct slap
in the face of our member of Congress,
if the president should appoint the
postmaster in that members town
without that members recommends
ton and consent. 1t is stated, how
ever, upon authority, that the father
of our incoming member of Congress,
has become pronounced candidate
for the postmastership of this city, and
has thereby caused our incoming mem
Der serious embarrassment. Should
he fail to support this candidate he
would be accused of serious lack of
fiiial devotion. Should he support
him, the cry of nepotism would be
raised land it would be asserted that our
member thereby would greatly injure
his chances for future success and high
er official place. His position is GER
tainly one of great complexity and one
which he will doubtless deeply ponder
before he carries the document bear
ing his official recommendation of his
fathers appointment to the president
for that functionary's approval. Yet
there is another side to such vexing
and pleplexing questions. There are
persons, mark you we do not say that
our incoming Congressman would
argue thus) who would probably rea.
son after the following fashion-"Who
can tell what a day may bring forth,
yea who can tell but that tomorrow
We die. The future hath many charms,
but they are as the Will-o'- the-wisp.
The present alone is real. What if /
should be cast down from my high
place when | have filled the time now
allotted to me? What would remain
to me? Opportunity cometh but once
tits said. AS horse caparisoned, 1t
stoppeth at each mans door. If he
mounteth it, it is well with him, If he
leteth it pass him by, it may go to re-
turn no more" Should such condi
ton as the foregoing confront our new
member of Congress, and such trend of
thought sieze upon his congressional
fancy, what would be the result, into
whose mouth would the plum fall? We
leave the question as one toe deep to
be solved by us.
Will Try to Unseat Mr.. Tucker.
T. l.