The times., 1897-05-19
CHEA7HAM TAKES CHARGE
The New Recorder Welcomed by
the Office Force.
No Changes in the Office at Pres
ent-Dr. Sheppard, OF North Care.
lima. Appointed Secretary.

The new recorder of deeds, Mr.. II T..
Cheatham, called at the City Hall yester-
day about 2 o clock, and immedia ately as
sunled charge of the affairs OF his office.
He was accompanied 10 the building by
DR. Sheppard, a prominent colofed phy-
sician OF Durham, n. c., and probable
assistant to the new man. MIR. III. II.
Boone, a well-kpown coiored attorney OF
Troy, n. Y, was also with Mr. Cheathaln,
and the Trio were Immediately ushcred
into the presence OF the retiring recorder,
who received them wit h u pleasant greet
ing and cordial hand grasp. Mr.. Taylor
then proceeded to post lIis successor as
to the general conduct of the office, with a
reference To the many details OF the various
departments, as far as time would permit.
After few minutes OF pleasant chatting
and the eX-recorder had expressed his
best wisnes for a prosperous and peaceful
official future, MIR. Taylor sent for Deputy
Recorder Schayer, whom he presented
tn Mr.. Cbeatham in the most impressive
terms regarding his fitness and general
conduct OF the office. Through all the
various branches of the recorders office
the clerks were presented to the new
man, and, il introducing them all, ex-
RecoE,ier Taylor had pleasant word and
a favorable recommendation to say for
each empioye.
Hardly had it become known about the
city hall that the new recorder had ar
rived when the hall OF the basement of
the west wing was filled with applicants,
whose eager looks and restless movements
plainly Indicated their errand. In speak
D. Ia aba Ms I ffturr
said:
II have only been here for q few min
utes and really cannot say anything about
any changes in the office. There will be
none at present Until l have become
thoroughly acquainted with my clerks ana
their duties shall be unable to make any
decision in the matter OF changes. pr.
SHEPPARD, Of Durham, n. c., will act as my
confidential secretary at present, and be
yond that appointment am not likely TO
make any immediate changes. or course,
shall to some extent respect the rule that
bas hitherto existed in the office OF re-
corder, and where faithful and efficient
service has been given by clerk l shall
always hesitate to make change until
/ am Thoroughly familiar with the ex-
igcncies of the case.
In answer TO a question regarding his
familiarity with recorders duties, Sir
Cheatham said: ''0h, yes, am perfectly
familiar with many OF the duties attached
to the office. was register Of deeds
In Vance county, \. c., for some years,
and think / have a fair idea oi the details
OF the office. Always come in to see
me. / want you newspaper men TO feel
that | am always accessible and that
am always ready TO accord you any
courtesies."
When asked If he was in favor of civil
service reforut application in the recorders
office, he was not prepared to say def
D.tely, but II am heartily in favor" lie
SAID. ''of weighing the faithfUlness and
efficiency of clerks"
Ex-Recorder Taylor took leave early
In the afternoon, after bidding good-by
10 all his old subordinates He will take
rest OF four weeks before beginning the
practice of law here.
On June st he has accepted an liz vita
tian to address the Colored League, a
prominent negro association at Boston,
his subject being Reflections on the Past
and Present Conditions as They Relate
to the Coming Crisis"