Omaha daily bee., 1899-11-16
MERCER TO KEEP HANDS OFF
viii Not Take Hand in Appointn en'
of Census Supervisor.
SENATOR THuHsroN WILL LOOK AFTER IT
Washington Politicians Greatly Fer
turbcd over Reports of the Illness
of senator Hayward and Its
Eject on the Senate.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 15.-(Special Tele-
igramO-Congressma Mercer, who returned
Tuesday from Omaha accompanied by MIS-
Mercer. said today that he would not nave
apythiug to do with the appointment OF a
supervisor of census for the Second con-
gressional district that he had called upon
Director Merriam and was informed by MIN
that Senator Thurston would have the ap-
pointment Of supervisor; that he had so IN
formed friends who are candidates Tor the
place while in Omaha. This is contradictory
of what Senator Thurston told The Bee cor
respondent who said that he had placed
, letter on file in the Office asking only that
he be consulted as to the person who would
be appointed. 1t is not believed that either
Thurston or Mercer will have much difficulty
in agreeing upon a man for the place when
they can get together. which will not be
in all probability until after congress con-
venes.
Politicians are considerably worked up
over the report from Nebraska City and
Omaha as to the serious Illness of Senator
Hayward. Fear is expressed that he VIII
not be able to be present at the reorganiza-
tion of the senate, although this Will not
be attempted, in all probability, until after
the holiday recess. Should he not survive
his present attack there is a general feeling
that Governor Poynter will appoint Judge
Allen to the place, which will cut down
the republican majority considerably, and
upon scme of the great questions which Will
present themselves for solution at the com
ing session every republican vote will be
needed
Disgusts Indian Agents.
Secretary Hitchcock Of the Interior depart
ment has aroused the antagonism OF nearly
every Indian agent in the country over his
recent ruling that agents cannot appoint
their individual clerks at reservations but
must be certified by the Civil Service COM
mission. In President McKinley's recent or
der taking number Of places out of the
operation of the civil service financial clerks
in Indian reservations were included in
the order as exempt from the civil service.
Agents have held that chief clerks were
financial clerks within the meaning Of the
presidents order and they have gone ahead
and appointed their personal representatives
to chief clerkships. This matter has now
been brought to the attention of Secretary
Hitchcock, who has issued an order put
ting stop to the whole business, to the
infinite disgust Of the Indian agents EX-
Secretary Bliss suggested this change to
the president and it was upon his clear
statement that agents had right to have
near them their personal selection that in
duced Mckinley to make the orders. II
this order is carried out it will materially
affect the agents i'm South Dakota, Nebraska
and other western states and as represented
in letters to the department will work
hardship upon those intrusted with the care
of the Indians. An appeal, it is understood.
will be taken to the president should Hitch
cock persist In his ruling.
OsbOrn's Offer Declined.
O. NJ Osborn Of Howard, S. d. who came
here to offer the services of a battery for
service in the Philippines, to be composed
of ex-members of the South Dakota regi-
ment has had no success at the War de-
partment and he left for home tonight. Mr..
Osborn was anxious to get service in the
military arm of the government, but as 1t
was refused he applied for a position in
the civil branch. 1t is not known what
success the South Dakotan had with the lat
ter request, but it is understood the off,
cials took the matter under advsement
Clifford A. Holt has been appointed car
rier in the postoffiec at Des Moines, vice
Jacob B. Swerel. removed. e. A. Schworm,
carrier in the Ottumwa Qa.) postoffice, has
been promoted from third to second class
and his salary increased to $3.50.
Immediately after Senator Thurstons mar
riage to Miss Pearman they will go south
on wedding journey, which will include
stops at Atlanta, Chattanooga, Savannah,
New Orleans, Hot Springs and other famous
southern winter resorts. They will occupy
a special car of the Union Pacific which
will reach Washington tomorrow.
The following Nebraska postoffices have
been assigned to the presidential class and
the salaries of postmasters increased as in
dicated: Blue HILL s1,10O; Gordon, s1,100;
Hooper, $1,000; Laurel, 81 000
Iowa-Alden, Aurelia, Corwith; salaries Of
postmasters increased to 81 900 each.
George Cross of Fairbury, postmaster atI
that place, is in the city.