The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1900-01-26
THE CASE OF MR. MAcRuM.

The case of Mr.. Charles Macrum, late
United States consul at Pretoria, capital Of
the South African Republic seems likely to
add a new and interesting chapter to the
records of Ohio men in Office. 1t is with
degree of hesitation bordering on trepda-
ton that the Journal alludes to Mr.. Mac
rum as late United States consul" since,
although he has been removed from office
and his successor appointed and confirmed.
and although the State Department has to
the extent of its ability discharged. unload
ed and disowned MIN, there are indications
that he intends to hold the Office ipdef-
nitely. OF at least until the Supreme Court
the same office can be held by two different
persons at the same time. The country has
heard and learned a good deal in recent
years o. the Ohio man as an officeseeker
and offceholder. The citizens of some other
States are fairly alert and enterprising in
this regard, but 1t is no disparagement of
them to say that, for ubiquity amounting
almost to omnipresence. for the faculty of
being in the race at the start and at the
finish. for untiring pursuit Of Office, and for
success in getting there and staying there.
the Ohio man has made a record that defies
competition. The case of Mr.. Macrum
seems likely to raise the question whether
an Ohio man, once appointed to Office, can
be removed or got rid of during his natural
life. When ne was appointed consul to
the way, ever sent there, the administra-
ton doubtless thought it was comforting a
temporary function on him, but he seems
to think it granted perpetual franchise.
One scans his record in vain to discover
any distinguished service on which this
claim could be based. When he went to
Pretoria there was no prospect of war. and
the duties of the position were so incon-
sequential as to make it unattractive to
any bur an Ohio man. AS long as there
no duties to perform. next to none
Mr. Macrum seems to have been fully
equal to them, but when the war came on,
and. in addition to the duties of American
consul. he was instructed to perform those
of the British consul, who had left Pre-
toria. he suddenly became tired. In college
phrase he ''funked" and asked to be trans
ferred to another post. Instead of being
transferred he was recalled and his sue
cessor was appointed and confirmed. Ac-
cording to the usage of the State Depart
menr. he receives travelling expenses back
to the United States, but his official title
IL;
appointed. Mr.. Macrum, however. does not
see it in that light, and he has improved
every opportunity since leaving Pretoria
TO assert his Official status and throw out
mysterious hints of future transactions. He
refuses to admit that he is out of office.
and, with the characteristic pertinacity of
an Ohio man, he insists that the State De-
,artment is mistaken Indian not lost,
wigwam lost" said a noble red man who
could not find his home According to Mr..
Macrums contention he is not out of office,
but the State Department is out of gear.
Perhaps the secretary of state may be able
to convince him of his error when he
arrives home, but it is doubtful. 1t may
become necessary for Congress to abolish
the office to get rid of him, and even then
he will probably insist that he has only
been transferred.