The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-03-30

A report which gained circulation yes
terday that the District Commissioners
we're seriously considering the appoint
ment of James L. Feeney as assistant
assessor brought forth immediate and
substantial protests from many quarters
Mr.. Feeney, who is chiefly known as a
labor leader, ard was prominently identi-
fed with the bookbinders' controversy
in the Government Printing once a few
years ago. was more or less active in the
last Presidential campaign. when he took
the stump in support of Taft and in op-
position TO the efforts of President Com
pers. of the American Federation Of La
Dor. to line up the labor vote for Bryan.
Wants Lifetime Reward.
It has been understood for some time
that Mr.. Feeney was seeking a reward
for his services. and that Chairman Hitch
cock. of the Republican National Com
mittee, nov Postmaster General, was en-
deayoring TO find a good job for him. He
recently declined a place in the Depart
ment of Commerce and Labor. preferring
District plum. The assistant assessor
| ship is q lifetime position and pays
900 per year.
| Mr. Feeney's candidacy, according 10
rumor, amo;1lts virtually to demand
upon the Commissioners to appoint him.
He does not profess any special quail
l hcation but insists it is the place he
wants and has intimsted that when he
gets it he viii teach the people OF the
District of Columbia something about ap-
praisement OF property.
second Demand Of kind.
Some time ago Re made similar de-
nAnd apon the old Board OF COmmIs-
lsioners TO be appointed assistant assessor.
and even suggested the removal Of one OF
the incumbenIs 10 make room for him.
But as a charge Of ineficiency could not
be lodged against any OF the assistant
assessors, the board politely but firmly
refused 10 accede TO the extraordinary
demand
| Now that there is a vacancy, Mr..
Feeney is more importunate than ever
before, and is in the attitude Of a man
who evidently feels that he has some
sort Of vested right to the position in
question. This is believed 20 be due 10
the fact that he holds Mr.. Hitchcock's
promise and has that gentleman behind
him solidly.
Originally Opposed Taft.
Bir. Feeney, prior TO the Chicago con-
vention. was irrevocably opposed to the
nomination OF Mr. Taft, and, it will be
recalled, headed local delegation which
one day waited upon Delegate Father
and threatened dire things If he dared
cast vote of the District in convention
for the Ohio candidate Mr.. Flather.
however, was unawe6 by this demonstra-
ton. and subsequently helped nominate
Mr.. Taft
A number OF business men yesterday
visited the District building and regis
tered earnest protests against the con
sideration Of Feeney's candidacy. They
regard him as untitled for the important
duties that devolve upon an assistant
assessor and do not hesitate TO say that
| his appointment would be an inexcusablo
mistake from any point OF view.
Labor Not Behind Him.
Central Labor Union has not indorsed
his candidacy and is understood to be
iNheNaSHlf al ledStf concerning II BuE
with Chairman Hitchcock behind him,
Mr.. Feeney is Indifferent 10 the feeling
toward him from any other quarter. and
| dogmatcally demands the place.
He refuses 20 be put off
A remarkable issue has thus been
raised. and it remains TO be seen whether.
after all. the appointing power is vested
in the Commissioners Of the District OF
Columbia or in the Hon. Frank Hitch
cock, chairman Of the Republican Ma
tional Committee.
As the vacancy is scheduled to be filed
to-day, the issue will soon be settled.