The San Francisco call., 1899-11-07
CANDIDATES IN
PLENTY FOR JOB
Of ALEXANDER
Friend May Retain
Arthur Martin.
Oakland Office San Francisco Gail,

JOo oTOduWdyJ NON. o.
The recent tragic incident in the post
office has brought on very suddenly an
unexpected political wire-pulling match.
There must be appointed soon an assist
ant postmaster, and the appointment hes
primarily with Postmaster Friend.
There is no dearth of candidates, and
the postmaster is already discovering
that he has as large task on his hands
as he had a year ago when he made his
first appointment. 1t was understood
when Mr.. Alexander was appointed that
he was not Mr. Friends choice, at least
that he was not Mr.. Friends first choice.
There were many elements in the Repub
lican party, however, each clamoring for
the privilege of filling the Office of assist
ant postmaster, and as Alexander had the
Endorsement Of Senator Perkins and Con-
gressman Hilborn. and as these two gen
tlsmen also had thS privilege sdo5i9 Of saying hg
postmaster, it was very natural that Mr.
Friend should be pleased to appoint Mr..
Alexander.
sistant under ex-Postmaster White. is
back at his old desk. and the Democrats
are making great efforts TO induce Post
master Friend to appoint Mr.; Martin per-
manently on account Of his knowledge of
the office work and his known attention
to business.
L. r. Farr, who was assistant postmas-
ter under ex-Postmaster Bishop. and who
was candidate for the same position
under Mr.. Friend is again mentioned for
his old Job. He is the candidate of the
Congressman Metcalf has succeeded Mr..
Hilborn and he will likely have some
thing to say in the matter, there is
Tl3 chance for Mr.: Farr The opposition to
Farr would also come from Paul Schaffer,
who is also supposed to be candidate for
assistant postmaster.
Paul Schaffer was the secretary Of Mr..
Metcalf's campaign committee and could
If he wished. go to Washington in a few
weeks as private secretary to Congress-
man Metcalf. This situation. however.
one In the postoffice, and Schafer may
also be considered as a possible successor
to Alexander
Just on what authority is not known,
of the name of W. Nat Friend for as
sistant postmaster, It was understood
that ". Nat Friend, the son of the post
job when his father was appointed, but
objections were raised which prevailed.
Should Billy" Friend be a candidate he
could certainly depend on the support of
DR.. George Pardee, for Billy has al
ways been a very earnest and active ad-
vocate of the doctors political aspira-
tons, and was of necessity the most con-
Sacramento. VIII Friend Is very pop
ular in the Young Mems Republican Club.
is one of the idols of the Pondnkeys.
but was as firm an opponent Of the can
didacy of Congressman Metcalf as he was
the warm advocate Of Mr. Hilborn. All
these things must be considered as ele-
ments In the task Of filing the position
which, II is understood, pays $3.50 month
Postmaster Friend said tonight that
there are half a dozen applicants for the
position, but he could not make up his
mind till Wednesday.
II am giving the matter my attention"
said the postmaster, land l have about
made up my mind that new man will
not do"
This remark seems to indicate that he
intends to retain Arthur Martin. and It is
rumored that the postal inspectors have
dropped hint that this would be a wise
move.