New-York tribune., 1901-10-11
WOULD BE PCoLIC PRINTER
HENRY O. SHEPARD. OF CHICAGO. HUST
fFNG FOR THAT IMPORTANT OFFICE.
Inv TELEGRAPH TO THE TR1BuNE.l

TrY
Vr-osbing+on Oct 1o.-Although there is no
,,.,.arc,, an the Office of Government Printer
o5+,ze, NJ Chicago is husting for that important
rlaca with characteristic Chicago vim and vigor.
The fact that the Office is now held by citizen
of that enterprising town.. W. Palmer-seems
q stimulus rather than a encouragement, to
Henry O. Shepard, who. with what the world
has come TO regard ordinary modesty the
mart of Chicago proclaims himself not only lone
or Chicago's representative business men," but
also probably the best known and most
popular printer in the United States. and is
almost as well known abroad"
These facts concerning Mr. Shepard are set
forth in what is obviously an autobiography,
which he has issued in circular form with
large full bust picture of himself adorning the
centre. Accompanying the autobiography is
letter soliciting signatures to a petition ad-
dressed to the President recommending Mr.
Shepard's appointment How many thousands
Of these circulars have been scattered broadcast
over the United States by Mr. Shepard is not
known. though it is noteworthy that the Presi-
dent has not yet had TO hire extra help at the
White House TO attend to the results OF the
Chicago mans unique enterprise.
In his autobiography Mr.. Shepard does not
overlook the Importance of embracing the op-
pOrtunity, while exalting his horn, to advertise
the superior advantages Of his printing estab-
lishment in Chicago lit has not only secured a
local. but national, reputation" he declares,
"and is at present recognized one of the most
prosperous and best conducted Of its kind in the
United States. The equipment is of the most
modern and up-to-date machinery, and each de-
partment is under the immediate supervision
OF tried and experienced workmen and a casual
inspection OF its various workroomS impreSses
the visitor with the fact that order is there
recognized as natures first law. There is e
place for everything, and everything is kept
in its place. 1t is the boast of the house that
ats imprint Is g guarantee of good work, no
matter what its character
Some of the politicians in Washington who
have received Mr.. Shepard's literature about
himself and his establishment unable TO
tell whether he is really seeking office merely
resorting TO a shreWd Chicago scheme to ad-
Vertise his business. AS there has been no talk
resigns. and few die when away from home
il is popularity inferred that the latter theory
is correct However. Mr.. Shepard thought
fully winds up his application with the remark
that he wants the President TO have his name
before him when the matter OF filling that
il is suggested that the Chicago applicant is in
dead earnest. and that he is merely seiZing time
by the fOrelock-sOmewhat roughly, II is ad-
mitted but unless this is done in Chicago the
Spencerian law of the survival of the fittest
does not operate 1t is also pointed out that
perhaps Nj. Shepard honestly believes the Office
OF Government Printer belongs TO Chicago, since
il has been held by a man from that town al
most continuously during the memory or TINS
generation Of Washingtonians and other readers
periodical. THE Congressional Record II may
be. however. that if change is made in the
Office printer from other Gown VIII be
chosen by President Roosevelt.