The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1901-03-17
SCRABBLE FOR OFFICE.
Washington Correspondent Tells Of
the Fights that are Developing.

Washington, ID. c., March 10 A
lively fight has already commenced
over the federal patronage in the
Indian Territory. a number OF inn
portant changes are looked for One
OF the most important vacancies
which will occur is that of United
States Judge to succeed John X.
Thomas, whose term expires July /.
Judge Barker OF Kansas is already
an applicant for Judge Thomas po-
sition, and while no decision rs to
his successor has been reached in
the matter, II is practically certain
that Judge Thomas will not be re-
appointed. BY passing Judgment on
cases which we're to come before
him in court and giving opinions
privately before their official an
nouncement from the bench he
aroused a bitter opposition which
came near securing his removal
nearly year ago. At that time IL
was announced as coming from the
white House that when his term ex-
pired he would not be resppointed
The opposition to Judge Thomas
does not come entirely from the
Territory. II even extends to the
presidents cabinet. Secretary Hitch
cock OF the interior department will
oppose his reappointmont vigor-
ously. The opinion prevails at the
department that many delays which
have occurred in the enforcement Of
the laws in the Indian Territory have
been due to the decisions OF Judge
Thomas and advice given by MIN to
attorneys In cases which we're com
ing before his court.
Senator Burton OF Kansas Is after
the scalp OF United States Attorney
Pliny l.. Soper. Soper is nephew
OF Hon. Cy. Leland, one OF the bit
terest enemies Burton eve- had in
Kansas, and who, in his last senate
rial campaign, published a series OF
articles attacking Mr.. Burton's pub
lie and private career which startled
the natives. Burton, however, can
not control the Kansas delegation in
his fight against Soper. At least a
majority OF the members OF congress
are with the United States attorney
and will insist upon his retention.
In addition to this, Soper stands we'll
with Attorney General Griggs. II
Mr.. Griggs remains in the cabinet
until an appointment is made Soper
will undoubtedly succeed himself.
Should a new attorney general come
in, however, Soper's chances of re-
appointment would be lessened.
There is considerable complaint
against United States Marshal Leo
+. Bennett. This arises from Rem
nett failure to turn out the demo-
Gratis and put republicans in the
places under him. lie has not ad-
hered sufficiently to the Jacksonian
theory that "to the victors belong
the spoils," to suit many politicians.
IL is charged that several places
under Bennett are held by demo
Gratis. Indeed, it is asserted that the
lailer Tat Muskogee, who realizes
from his office about SIS, 900 per an.
mum in salary and fees, is a Chicago
platform democrat Bennett's ad-
ministration, however has been en-
tIrely satisfactory to the attorney
general and he has the confidence OF
the department officials. tits there-
fore probable that compromise
will be brought about whereby Ben
nett will be retained and the Offices
under him given to the stalwarts.
The term of Judge VIM. h. IL.
Clayton of the central district, will
expire on May Is. Judge Clayton
will be reappointed as his own sue
cessor.
There is certain to be a fight over
the appointment OF the United States
attorney for the central district TO
succeed John II. wilkins, whose
term expires January 10, 1902. The
vacancy, however, is 30 far OF that
little attention is being given to it
now.
Marshal Jasper 2. Grady OF the
central district, will also have
hard fight on his hands for reap.
pcintment.
Fred Wilson, secretary of the town
site board at South McAlester, is a
candidate for Grady's position. lie
not only has a strong territorial en-
dorsement but the support Of the
Kansas delegation. This office will
become vacant within a little over a
month. There are also several other
applicants tor the place.
In the southern district, Judge
Hosea Townsend, whose term ex
pires September 80, will be reap
pOinted In fact thpra IL M IikalI.