The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1903-02-04
PRESIDENT IS OPEN TO CONVICTION
That the Nomination of Crum was
a Mistake and it May be
Withdrawn.

EtllNuFdV!H.
Washington, January 29.-If the
Senate committee on commerce had
voted upon the nomination of DR.. W.
D. Crum to be collector Of the port
of Charleston today an adverse report
would have been the result. There
were twelve members Of committee
of sixteen present 1t was under
stood that vote on the nomination
was to be taken today. The case was
freely discussed by individual mem
bers and It was shown that seven of
the members we're opposed to favorable
action and only five sustained the ap-
pointment. Three Republicans-El-
kins, of West Virginia, Jones, of
Nevada, and Perkins, of California
sided with the Democrats against
Crum. Five Republicans who favored
Crum did so on general political grounds
and with view of maintaining friendly
relations with the colored Republican
organization. It is known, however,
that at least two of the five Senators
favorable to Crum privately, admit
that the appointment is an unfortu-
nate one, and they would cheerfully
ION in movement to have the nomi-
nation Withdrawn.
It is the opinion of some of the Re-
publican members Of the committee
that favorable report on the nomina
tion is at this time improbable. Fur
ther consideration Of the case was
postponed until next Thursday. In the
meantime the President will be ad-
vised of the situation in the committee
and the hope is freely expressed that
the President may see his way clear
to withdraw the nomination. Such
action on the part of the President is
not altogether improbable, IL view of
the fact that he admitted on several
occasions, prior to the sending of
Crum's nomination to the Senate,
that he was not enthusiastic over the
prospect of being forced to appoint
Crum.
On two occasions he distinctly stated
that he did not see his wayEclear to
nominate. Later he was deluged with
petitions and appeals from colored
Republican organizations and socie
ties, practically demanding the ap-
pointment of Crum as recognition Of
the colored race. He hesitated long
while and finally concluded to consult
Booker Washington as to the moral
character of Crum. In doing so the
President said he was anxious that
no mistake should be made in this
case, and if Booker Washington gave
Crum certificate Of good character
the appointment would be made,
which, he added, would be entirely
consistent with his previously an
nounced policy to reward merit and
high moral character in making Fed
eral appointments in the South. with
out regard to the complexion of the
person to be, selected. Booker Wash
ington, on the strength Of long
personal association with Crum, testi-
fed to the honorable character of
Crum, and few days afterward the
appointment of Crum was officially
announced at the White House.
The vigorous protest against Crum
made by the citizens of Charleston was
resented by colored politicians IN all
parts Of the country, so that the Crum
case has become national political
issue. Republican senators have no
desire or intention of discrediting the
President, but many Of the most con-
servative members Of the Republican
party freely assert the unwisdom OF
forcing Crum upon the community of
Charleston simply because he is a
colored politician who has figured con-
spicuously in several Republican na-
+ional conventions
1t was freely asserted at the Senate
today that a thorough understanding
of the peculiar social and commercial
conditions in Charleston render it
exceedingly doubtful whether the
nomination will be confirmed, even
if the President should refuse to with
draw the nomination. There are those
who believe that further deliberation
on the part of the President may con-
vince him that the confirmation is not
absolutely essential to the success of
his administration. 1t may be
temporarily embarrassing for the
President to retrace his steps in this
matter, but those who know him best
believe him to be brave enough to
correct an error, if be is convinced
that an error has been made in the
selection of DR.. Crum.-News &
Con rier