The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-02-01
REMOVING J. WILEY SHOCKS
PEACOCK FEATHER.

The brains of the Republican party in
Western North Carolina, as everybody
knows, is to be found under the hat Of
IL. Wiley Shook, Esq, of Pigeon River,
Haywood county. He is not only gifted
writer. eloquent orator and a genius at
inspecting brandy stills, but is also a
born leader of men. He has a breezy
way about him that makes him popular
with the boys-altogether too popular to
suit some of the little fellows who are
rafting around in big places while J.
Wiley is denied the high positions to
which his party service and political
sagacity entitle him.
The news comes by way of Washing
ton that there is a scheme on foot to
take away from this great Republican
his peacock feather. 1t is thus given to
the public in the Washington letter of
the Asheville Gazette:
Collector Harkins today had an ex-
tended talk with Commissioner of Inter
fairs of his district and office. 1t is un-
derstood that there will be consider
able reorganization in Collector Harkins'
office at an early date. J. Wiley Shook,
it is said, will again be assigned to work
in the field, while j. G.. Grant, who has
for several months held the position of
field deputy, will again be assigned to
clerical work in the office. Uncle Sam
l. xry:f Co.
Col Shocks clerical efforts Not that
there is any failure to balance when his
reports are submitted to the depart
ment at the end of each month, but some
slight exception has been taken to the
mode of procedure in bringing about the
balance. The complaint is that the col
onel writes too much like he talks-bold
and free, with a superfiuity of ink, where
in conversation it would be superflui-
ty of adjectives. This is apt to occur
wnen person has the mind concentrated
on results instead of on the manner of
obtaining them, but the government is
not satisfied with results, no matter
how correct they may be. To meet the
unqualified approval of the inspector the
books must bear the evidences of hav-
ing been handled by one who writes
good hand, and handled with great care
and deliberation. Sitting still is not in
Col. Shocks line, but the department is
fond of him md will let him have the
field at the same salary so he may enjoy
a greater degree of liberty of action"
When King George wanted to Cypress
hcnied words. When we started in to
continue Spanish methods in the Phil
ippines, we did SO by talking of our
"benevolence" and the like. How art
thou, my brother?" is the favorite salu-
tation of the man with the dagger up
his sleeve. In the same way is the Re-
publican leader of Pigeon River to have
his peacock feathers taken from him
ordered to quit putting his feet on the
mark on the floor, and sentenced to hard
work hunting the moonshiners and be-
ing hunted by them. Can it be possible
that some jealous Republican would like
to see moonshiner get in his work on
J. Wiley? And this hard assignment is
being given to Mr.. Shook that che may
enjoy greater degree of liberty of ac-
tion."
Col Shook will see the point and will
sing:
Perhaps it We're we'll to dissemble your
love
But why did you kick me down stairs?"
That's the gratitude shown to the man
who made the Ninth district Republican.
1t is the basest of ingratitude.