Western Carolina Democrat and French Broad hustler. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1913-1915, 1913-04-24
DANIELS AND PATRONAGE.

lEOOS
per correspondents strongly intimate
that President Wilson has practically
designated Mr.. Josephus Daniels. Sec
rotary of the Navy, as patronage dis
penser for North Carolina. One pa
per pictures the Secretary, clothed in
appropriate regalia, carrying a huge
waiter upon which is placed a large
delicious looking pie labelled for
North Carolina consumption. The
bearer of the treasure" displays a
broad smile and is visibly pleased
with the prospects of making glad the
! hearts of the faithful" Amessage
of good cheer is plainly written OH
the face of this sunny-spirited mes
senger of hope" and no evidence APP
pears to indicate that either the
weight of years or multiplicity of re-
sponsibilities are bearing heavily
upon him. To those who have eft,
bied and died. for Joe Daniels" this
picture is an inspiration. If only
they could have been given "the tip
in time to provide themselves with
. meal ticket their prospects would
indeed be rosy. But like the foolish
virgin" at the marriage feast, many
of them have failed to qualify them
selves for the coming of this long de-
layed messenger Of hope with the
balm which can alone satisfy the ach-
ing void-for pie. There is no other
alternative CO than presenting Gre
dentials, properly certified, at the
inner door, and giving the password,
which is progressive"
But there are those who cherish the
hope that the picture is o~verdrawn,
and that Secretary Daniels will not be
the whole cheese" in the distribution
of patronage for North Carolina.
Others there be who decline to be-
lieve that Mr.. Daniels seeks this dis
tinction with it's attendant ~responsi-
bilities, innumerable annoEances and
and ultimate consequences. The Sec
rotary of the navy, it is suggested,
may have some policies contemplating
advanced steps in the efficiency of his
department in mind and,s considering
duty to country paramount to minor
matters, would o seek to usurp the
prerogatives of the two Senators from
North Carolina. In the meantime
Secretary Daniels "is laying low and
saying nothing"-for publication. But
the newspaper correspondents have
been so persistent in defining the
Presidents attitude with respect to
matters at issue between senators,
congressman and members of his cab
met that Senators Simmons and Over
determined to ascertain their
standing at the White House without
further ado about it. An appoint
nlent was made with the President
and the Tar Heel Senators received
from him that no appoint
ments for North Carolina would be
made until he had first conferred
with them. The President indicated
that he would not appoint incapable
men to Office, however much they may
have served as party leaders, or
ward-heelers. He wishes only men
Of character, integrity and ability.
The position maintained by the Pres
ident touching patronage matters is
thus outlined in an interview given
out by Senators Simmons and Over
after a conference with him at
the White House:
Senators Overman and Simmons
had a conference with the President /
this morning concerning his policy
with respect to recommendations by
senator's for appointments to local
positions in their states.
Both senators after leaving the
refused to quote him, but
from what they did say, it is inferred
it will be the desire of the Presi-
dent to follow as far as he can the
recommendation of senator's and rep
resentatives with respect to positions
in their states and, if for any reason,
liz LAC pei 0OA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT uA-
satisfactory, he will, before action,
with them and, if as a result
Of this conference his objections are
rot removable will ask them to make
another recommendation.
sBoth senators made it clear that
the Presidents attitude with respect
to senatorial recommendations was
entirely satisfactory to them, and, as
they understood it. in line with the
precedent in such matters"
OF course, this does not mean that
the President is going to appoint only
those who may have the support of
Senator's, or congressman, and it is
our opinion that Secretary Daniels
will have to be reckoned with, once in
! while.
49, ~, - - -