Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1898-07-28
Mineral Point Postmastership.

understood. that there is no personal
antipathy for Brothers Crawford, of
the Democrat, or the least objection
offered to the administration of the
postotiice under the present incum-
bent. We quote from the Democrat
of last week:
THAT the present incumbent of the
post Office here does not hold the
position in opposition to the wishes
of a majority of the republicans of
| Mineral Point is fact well under
stood in this community. Certainly
he does not expect to hold it except
| by and with their consent, and by
and with the consent and hearty
support of the patrons of the office in
! general.
The republicans of Mineral Point
are abundautly able to speak for
| themselves upon all subjects with
| out the intervention of the TRIBUNE,
which in nowise represents their
sentiment
Whether or not the present incum-
bent holds the position in opposition
to the wishes of majority OF the re-
publicans of Mineral Point, is the
question in dispute. If it can be
shown that a majority of the republic
cans desire that democrat hold the
Office, the TRIBUNE editors will not
only cheerfully acquiesce, but will
sign petition, or in any other way
recommend, that the present incum-
beht be recommissioned for another
four years, term. If, as the Demo-
crat asserts, the present incumbent
holds by consent of Il majority of
Mineral Point republicans, why has
he not been reappointed instead of
merely "holding over" for an indefi-
mite time? Are we to understand
that a majority of the republicans
consent to his holding the position
only so long as it is thought best for
the political fortunes of Mr.. Babcock?
The course of the Democrat and the
political movements of certain re-
publicans supposed to have personal
interest to conserve, warrant the
question. We do not believe that a
majority of the republicans of the
city would approve such deal.
They would we believe, much pre-
fer to have had the present incum-
bent recommissioned at the eXpir-
alton of his term, five months ago.
Is it not possible that our contem-
porary has mistakenly accepted the
say-so of few personal friends and
interested politicians among the re-
publicans of Mineral Point for a ma
jority or the party?
When Cleveland was elected the
first time, the Democrat demanded
that change of postmasters be maze
at the expiration of Phillip Aliens
commission, though it was admitted
he had proved an efficient officer.
When Capt. Shepard's term under
Harrison expired and Cleveland
again became president, the Demo-
crat again demanded the post Office
plum, and secured it, Shepard's
four years of army service, not-with-
standing, which ought to be worth
as much to the county as the Demo-
Gratis support of Babcock for re-elec-
ton. Why should not the rule that
| had worked so satisfactorily 10 the
neople have been followed when the
commission of the present lncum-
bent expired? Is there any other
reason than that the Democrat sup
ported Babcock and might be OF ser.
vice to him again? Is that reason
sufficient in the judgment OF a ma
iority OF republicans? n. i. Martin
r. J. Prideaux and y. j. Bennett
also supported Babcock, not only for
the second and third terms but also
for the first, and besides supported
the entire republican ticket ana
sustained all the principles OF the
party in the last campaign ana reg
ularly for "A quarter of century
preceding, Mr.. Prideaux having IN
addition served his country as a
soldier for three years. Doa MAORI
ty Of the republicans OF Mineral
| Point believe that an editor OF the
Democrat. that has antagonized re-
publicans and republican principles
lall his life, with the exception OF
supporting Babcock, IS entitled to
recognition at republican hands be-
fore either of the gentlemen named?
TO determine whether or not the
TRIBUNE represents a majority ol
the republicans of Mineral Point IN
this matter. is difficult if not impoa
sible. The only way would be by an
election, at which only republicans
should vote. Let the ballots be"Foi
Postmaster, A Republican ano
"For Postmaster, The Present In
cumbent." Is the Democrat willing
hui, 90 zucb "a test with the