The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1912-12-18
HOT POLITICAL FEUD.

1t developed late yesterday after
noon, after the announcement of the
recommendation of Charles B. Beck
for postmaster of this city by Con-
gresham Gray. that determined
three-cornered factional fight on
the appointment was in progress.
A petition opposing the selection of
Beck was circulated today by mem
bers of the Study faction. It Is believ-
ed that Congressman Gray will not
be influenced by this move, as he pos
itively stated at the first conference
he held here with candidates that he
would pay no heed to petitions.
The Palladium was informed today
that prominent Democratic workers,
members of the Study wing, held a
conference in the office of Thomas J..
Study yesterday, and made a last
stand to prevent Beck's selection. The
upshot of the conference was the de-
cision of Congressman Gray to with
hold the recommendation already
made. Congressman Gray then inform
ed Charles A. Doney. Democratic
county chairman, to withhold the an
nouncement until Gray had heard the
claims of the remonstrants against
Beck.
1t was also learned today on author
itative sources that Henry U. Johnson,
as soon as he read of the appointment
of Beck in the newspapers last even
ing, telephoned Congressman Gray
that the recommendation of Beck did
not meet his approval and that it
should be rescinded.
Under stress of these objections,
Congressman Gray decided to hold up
the appointment.
AS soon as friends of Beck heard of
the conference of the Study wing.
which is supporting the claims of Web
ster Parry and Richard Allen, and of
the action of Henry L. Johnson, who
is promoting the interests of Frank
|, Wilson, a clerk in the post Office, they
sent kilograms to the congressman ur-
gently insisting that he stand by his
original selection. A number of Beck
adherents called Mr.. Gray over the
telephone and advised him not to re.
scind the recommendation
Letter To Doney.
The pressure which the Study wing,
which it will be remembered fought
| the appointment of Henry Farwig as
| oil inspector. brought to bear on Con.
gressman Gray yesterday. caused him
to write the following letter to Charles
A Doney:
After I mailed you my letter today
stating my intention to recommend
Mr.. Charles Beck as postmaster at
Richmond. | received an urgent re
quest for further hearing, and being
desirous of availing myself of any
| further facts which may no nave come
to my knowledge bearing upon such
appointment. l have determined to
withhold my recommendation pending
such further hearing to the end that
| l may act upon full advice in making
| such recommendation. You will there
i fore hold my letter pending such fur
ther hearing accordingly.
Yours respectfully,
"Ffnly H. Gray"
Before Mr.. Doney had received this
letter he had already informed the
press OF the selection of MI. Beck
Late in the afternoon Congressman
Gray himself called the Palladium ov
er the telephone and requested that
the appointment be withheld from pub
| hcation until a later date
| 1t was learned from Mr.. Doney that
| the further hearing" TO which Con
gressman Gray referred in his commu
nication would be held no later than
last evening
Held Conference.
Friends of Beck clai mthat the Stu
dy forces. who have favored Richard
Allen and opposed Beck, yesterday
| went into conference in the law office
(Couriuuod IN para CfyN