The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-01-12
WOULD REMAIN IN OFFICE
Collector B. F. Keith Journeys to See
the President
Scheduled to Pay Him q Visit Yester-
day-He is Said to Have Two Oppo-
nents. j. f. Fowler n d. r. john
sOn-Other Appointments to be
Made Within the Next Few Days.

Made Within the Next Few DAYS.
There is a stir among the Federal
ofice-holders from the eastern part OF
North Carolina just at this time. as
their terms of office expire during his
month, and, consequently, it is nothing
unusual for one of them to board a
train for Washington and have a word
with the President in regard to the
matter.
There is but me plum to be dished
out from Wilmington-the position of
collector of customs now held by
Mr.. B. F. Keith. His term of Office
expires on the 18th, and he is on the
anxious bench, as are all o~fice-hoid-
ers, until they have actually been re-
appointed and their appointments con-
frmed. The position held by MI.
Keith pays in the neighborhood of
$1,000 per year, and it is said to be
one of the softest things in the way
of a Federal job in North Carolina.
Collector Keith has gone to Wash
ington and was scheduled to have an
interview with the President yester-
day. He has strong hopes of reap
pointment, and carried with him a
long petition. Thus far no strong op-
position to Collector Keith has de-
velOped, but it is said that some of
the old-line Republicans are urging
another candidate.
In appointing a postmaster. the rule
Of naming a candidate who resides in
the town is generally adhered to, but
not so in the other appointments.
Two of Collector Keith's opponents
hail from nearby counties. One is
j. b.. Fowler, of Sampson county, ex-
Congressman from the Third district,
and the other, Daniel Russell John
son, of Brunswick county. AS long
as J. F.. Fowler is in the race it is
believed that he will have the sup
port of George Butler, of Sampson
county, brother of Marion Butler, but
should Fowler drop out of the race,
that he would support D. r. Johnson,
who is a very warm personal friend.
There are some who think George
Butler will support the Brunswick
county candidate, even though ]. E.
Fowler is from his own county. But
Ter and Johnson were soldiers in the
Philippines together, where they be-
CdL1C CIooC llCuuS. JOAIlSOA d al
other strong friend in the person of
Ex-Governor Russell, who by marriage
is an uncle. Ex-Governor Russell was
companied by D. r. Johnson, and it
is believed that some political work
was put in at that time.
No one seems to know who is Rol-
Inns candidate, and if they did. 1t
would ho on aacyy pooftar tO naroo rho
winner. Collector Keith is said to
have the support of Marion Butler,
who at the present time is closely
associated with T. S. Rollins, and
some believe hat if Marion Butler
supports Collector Keith that Rollins
will support MIN.
Some time ago it was said that S.
NJ. King, who is agent for the Tar
Heel Steamboat Company, in this city.
and Fred B. Rice, United States steam
boat inspector, would both be candi~
dates for the position Of collector, but
they seem to have changed their minds
and will not be in the race.
Collector Keith got out of Whining
ton very quietly. He apparently did
not want his opponents to know which
way he was headed until he reached
Washington. Some months ago Collec-
tor Keith seemed to be perfectly at
ease in regard to his re-appointment
and so expressed himself.
Colonel Harry Skinner, District Ar
tOrney for the Eastern district, is III
ease, as he has been re-appointed and
his appointment confirmed. This is
his second term.
Colonel Henry c.. Dockery, United
States Marshal from the Eastern dis
trict, is very anxious TO know his
fate. Ee has served two terms, and
there are a few who think this may
prevent his being appointed again, but
the general opinion prevails that he
is pretty certain of holding the job
for four years longer. He is a very
popular man and nothing is men-
toned against him, other than that
he has served two terms. II he is
re-appointed it will be establishing no
precedent. as there are a number Of
third-termers holding Office, and part
OF them have been appointed by
Roosevelt. Colonel Dockery's term IF
office expires about the middle Of this
month.
Carl Duncan, Collector of Internal
Revenue for the Eastern district, Is
Out for re-appointment, and his term
expires shortly.
All Of the above appointments viii.
in all probability, be made during this
month. and it nay be within the mex.
ten days.
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