Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-14
TAFT'S FRIENDS HIT BACK
ACCUSE FORAKER OF PROSTI-
TUTING PATRONAGE.
Charge Ohio Senator With Holding
Up Appointments for Political
Purposes.

The political serial entitled 1.-The Pros
titution of Federal Patronage for Politi-
cal Purposes in Ohio" has been of alb
sorbing interest ever since Senator For
aker. arising to a question Of personal
privilege in the Senate, hurled his charge
at the President and the supporters of
Secretary Taft. Senator Foraker had
free opportunity to establish the charge,
and, in the fullness of the presentation Of
his case, it is admitted by the Taft sup
pOrters, did prove that the President had
appointed as postmaster at Athens, Ohio.
Charles H. Bryson. an anti-Taft man.
whom he knew to be such. And now
comes the cOunter-charges that Senator
Foraker himself has played the game.
Ohio representatives, it is said. freely
make the charge, including Senator Dick.
and pointing to the appointments which
have been held up by the senator's. One
of the representatives asserts that Sem
ator Foraker is holding up one of his
the representative's) appointments in an
effort to defeat him for denomination be-
cause he favOrs Taft's candidacy rather
than Foraker's.
Judge Sater's Appointment.
In one particular, it is charged by the
Taft managers the dignity of the United
States judiciary is lowered by the senior
senator carrying the appointment of the
coadjutor judge of the southern district
of Ohio around in his pocket while the
judge is sitting on the bench serving
without salary, and, it is further said in
cidentally. perfectly willing to serve with
out salary as long as Senator Foraker
wills it. The judge in question Is John E.
Safer Of Columbus. He was recommend
ed for the seat on the bench over Judge
Adams of GAINESVILLE, FOraker's choice,
whom the President declined to appoint
for reasons which he did not conceal.
The President appointed Judge Safer
during a recess of Congress and he at
once assumed his post. The nomination
was referred to the judiciary committee
OF the Senate. In turn 1t was referred 10
Senator Foraker as committee or one.
He has, 1t is claimed. declined to report 1t
tion in southern Ohio and numerous po-
litical and patriotic organizations, 1t Is
said urged Mr.. Saters nomination In pc
titiOns presented through Representative
Taylor. There is said to be no question
of fitness ability or character involved.
Another instance. quoted b. the Taft
people, is found in Cincinnati. the home Of
Representatives Longworth and Goebel
There Bernhard Bettmann was chosen for
collector of internal revenue over Sena-
tor Foraker's choice. Max Burgheim
Bettmann's appointment Is likewise held
up by Senator Foraker as a committee
of one of the committee on finance In the
Senate. according to the senator's critics.
who aver that on a previous occasion Sem
ator Foraker indorsed Mr.. Bettmann and
secured his confirmation for the same
post, his objections now. Ohio represen-
tatives assert. being based solely on po-
litical consideration.
Dick and the Postmasters.
The statistics at the Taft headquarters
declare that twenty-three presidential
postmaster appointments are being car
ried around in Senator Dicks pocket.
Many of these are reapcointments and
many are recess appointments, the ap-
pointees being actually on the job and
doin: the work.
Among these appointments there are
two of women Miss Nellie Sheridan. a
niece OF Gen. Phil Sheridan. was recon-
mended for reann0infmont nv Rppre sept q :.