The Detroit times., 1913-10-17
BOOST COLLINS
ASAFACTOR IN
PATRONAGE WAR
Benton HarbOr Candidate May
Become u. s. Marshal For
Western District
DEPENDS ON OUTCOME
OF BEAKES' MOVEMENT
If Originals" Are Victorious He
Will Become County Leader
In Berrien

ST. JOSEPH, Mich, Oct. 1.-THE
St Joseph Daily Press under recent
date says:
THE patronage war between the
originals and the organisation to
get Michigan Jobs is over excepting
the final decision of the administra.
tiOn. President Wilson, Postmaster
General Burleson and Secretary Of tho
Treasury McAdoo have heard the con-
cluding arguments OF both factions
and the outcome is in their hands.
But how will Berrien county be ar
fected when the plums are distrib-
uted? Who knows?
Collins Becomes Big Factor.
Pred B. Collins, of Bent0r Harb0r,
two times sheriff, and one of the most
popular men who ever held Office in
the county, has become q big factor
In the situation. He has been brought
out as q candidate for United States
marshal for the western district OF
Michigan to succeed Nick Whelan, oi
Holland, and as such is declared ia
have the solid backing Of Congress
man Beakes and the originals OF the
state.
"Wathin the last few days Mr.. Col
line was In Waahington. and II hap
IpenNd that he arrived there just q
the time that the original leaders
were there to present their patronag'
case to the president and the heads O
the various departments. They a
once took Mr.. Collins In tow and theil
Endorsement gave his candidacy BIZ
boost.
"Mr. Collins. It is stated, went Il
Washington for the purpose OF plac
ing his daughter In q finishing schoo
there.
II eeakss Wins, it's Collins.
During the last week Development
have been such that It seems prac
tically certain II the Beakes men win
the patronage fight. Mr.. Collins will b
the next United States marshal for
this district OF Michigan. At the same
time he will become the leader of the
originals In Berren county and the
Fourth congressional district.
"The appointment Of Mr.. Collins
would have q direct influence on the
appointment OF many postmasters
through southwestern Michigan, and
might bring into the field many men
who are not now considered as candi'
dates for these Offices.
6errien Has Steered Clear.
"The party leaders In this county
t. can be said, have from the very
start kept out of the factional hight.
and 1t has been good politics so far
as the local situation Is concerned.
La. II. Knaak. chairman Of the county
committee, has been preaching day In
and day out that. the Democrats Oh
the county know no factions ana
should know none. We're just Dem
ocrats here says the chairman.
But the patronage situation seems
to have reached stage where II may
be impossible to preserve this neutral
ity much longer, and II break does
come-then what?
National Committeeman Wood and
state Chairman Shields have large
personal following among the leaders
in this county. and their hold Is per
ceptibly strengthened by the fact that
Governor Ferris has declared openly
for them against the original faction
Then. again. the banquet which was
held in this city In May, 1912, a cou
ple OF months before the national con
vention which nominated Wilson
seems to have peeved some OF thu
pre-convention Wilson leaders ant
consequently they have never showr
any great warmth Of heart for the mer
who direct the county organization
The originals charge that an enor
was made to keep the Wilson mel
In the background at the gathering
This has been vigorously denied b!
those who arranged the banquet"