The news scimitar. (Memphis, Tenn.) 1907-1926, 1920-06-17
new POSTMASTER
MAY GET PLACE
DURING RECESS
It Senate Republicans Deny
Confirmation Appointment
Will End at Pleasure Of
Next President.

Within the next few weeks the civil
service commission will certify to the
president for his guidance in making
appointment, the name of the candidate
making the highest mark in an exami-
nation recently held in Memphis for the
selection of postmaster to succeed c.
w. Metcalf whose resignation is effect
I've when his successor is appointed and
qualities.
The aspirants for the position are II.
9. McKellar, w. j. Bacon, r. n. Ware,
". l.. Terry, George B. Bowling and A.
b. McHenry.
flrst-class postoffces is not an exami-
nation at all, but an inquiry among the
patrons of the office as to the qualifi-
cations of the respective aspirants.
Some persons consulted were suggested
by, the aspirantS themselves, and others
were sought by the government Off
Gals making the investigation:
Officials making the examination
We're a representative from the civil
service commission, postoffice inspec-
pher.
An appointment made at this time
VIII be recess appointment. The ap-
polntee will automatically succeed the
resigned official without the necessity
Tor senatorial confirmation. Appoint
ments made while the congress is in
session are not effective until the ap-
pointeo is confirmed by the senate in
the cases of first-c class offices.
In the event of recess appointment
the occupant of the office holds until
the expiration of his term or a change
In the administration. Unless con-
firmed by the senate the appointment
may terminate at the will of the presi-
dent.
In the case of the Memphis postoffice
the president may make a recess ap-
pointment without the consent of the
senate, but the appointment will be only
for so long as the president or his sue
cessor in the White House desires 1t to
stand
In the event of Republican presi-
dent the postoffice at Memphis, unless
the postmaster is confirmed. would be
available Immediately for Republican
patronage.
With the Republicans in control of
the senate it is believed that they will
be exceedingly careful in permitting ap-
pointments to be confirmed, although
senatorial courtesy is against such prac-
tice except In cases where it is palpa-
bly, evident that the purpose is TO ex-
tend a Democratic appointment into
Republican administration or the re-
verse.
1t Is generally believed that Mr.. Nc
kellar has the best prospect OF any
contestant for the appointment, as he
has served some time as assistant post
master. The fact of his being the
brother of the senator will not prejudice
the executive against him in making
the selection.
Senator Mcclellan has announced his
willingness to vote to confirm any ap-
plicant the president may name, and
Senator Shields has written the various
applicants that he has nothing to do
with the Memphis postoffice matter, but
will not antagonize Senator Mcclellan,
a courtesy a senator almost uniformly
extends to his colleague in the selection
of postmaster in his home town.
Some of the other aspirants are hope
full that they may get the place, and
have hinted that Senator McKellar may
not urge his brothers appointment be-
cause of the effect it might have in
the senatorial primary two years hence,
but there is nothing to indicate that
Senator McKellarsis taking any part
in the contest one way or another.
If the recess appointment is not con-
firmed by the senate the term will en6
March S, 1921.