The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1906-12-12
Is Capers on TOP ?

Several references have been made either
through the correspondence to the daily pa
pers OF the state or editorially to the removal
Of Postmaster Link at Abbeville. The idea
seems to prevail that his removal was a VIC
tory for Mr.. Capers.
1t may be stated al the outset. that Con-
gresham Aiken has no back door, star
chamber hold ON a republican administra-
ton. He doesn't claim to be able TO do any
more with the administration, than can be
don 9 Ia q straisht open fight, by q man who
is personally popular with everybody.
But does q review ofthe actual facts In the
case show that Mr.. Links removal was really
aIvicrory for Mr.. Capsrs?
< MI. LInk is q democrat, holding one OF the
most important postofices In the State, and
similar places are filled throughout the State
with republicans. The Postal officers who
make up the papers in such appointments.
are not only republicans. but are az a matter
Z Of fact intensely partisan. About a year ago
q commission was on its road to conf
4 appointing Mr.. r. 4. Tolbert to the office,
and through the influence ex-senator Latimer
and Congressman Aiken 1t was withdrawn.
Later In June Of this year, or about that
time, Mr.. Thomas Tolbert, Jr., was appoint
ed, and IL was generally thought that be
would 60 into office at once. but he did not.
A little private history will account for why
he did not then displace Mr.. Link.
Mr.. Link was at that time contemplating
the acceptance of a position to lake effect
in the fall that will be worth more to him
than the post office, and he only wanted
time 10 bridge the interrnin. Congressman
Aiken secured q promise OF Mr.. Penrcse, that
Mr.. Link would not be removed before Con-
gress convened, which was all the time that
Mr.. Link desired.
II is certain that Mr.. Link was not removed
for canse; he has made q most efficient and
obliging officer. Again 1t Is not probable
that the administration would descend TO q
despicable measure Of retaliation in behalf
ofMr. Capers, who was removed from office
for cause. II those high in authority would
remove q faithful and competent man from
on1ce as q salve for the feelings OF one OF its
own Republican appointees, who was remoV-
for cause, to say the least of II, IL Is debasing
that high Office. II as some contend, Mir.
Capers Is the direct cause OF his removal, he
is welcome TO any satisfaction derived from
attempting 10 pull down a faithful officer
who has done him no hurt, simply because
he could not reach higher In his disappointed
rage. T.. ,-. ...
But when the removal of Mr.. Link Ia con.
sidered. aside from any alteration between
Congressman Aiken and Mr.. Capers, there is
nothing strange or unusual about IT,, II
isthe same old story ol'to the victors belong
the yspoiis.r Anderson ,.tNewberry, Chester
and most offices OF this class are filled by re-
pnblicans. and the wonder Is how Congress
man Aiken could 30 long retain Mr.. Link in
Office against the usual policy OF the State
Republican Machine, and contrary 10 the
savowed policy Of the republican adminlstra
ton. Congressman Aiken has made a hard
fight In the interest of the people OF his dis.
trict to keep out such officers as were not
desired by the people served. He succeeded
at Westminster and other places in the dis
trict, and while he may not always secure
the appointment of such men as be would
desire, III Objectionable person Is endorsed
by the machine, he will be found using ali
fair means TO defeat the nomination, and he
Ansnslly succeeds.
We think then that Mr.. Capers represent
ing the machine is not on top b@ simply
that the usual republican policy has pie yail-
cd.