The Union daily times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1918-current, 1922-08-01
TOLBERT UNFIT
FOR HIGH OFFICE
Hugh w. Roberts.

Washington, July 3d. Charging
that Joseph w. Tolbert as Republican
'referee" for South Carolina has been
"spoilsman. of the worst class" and
believing that he is "unsuited by
nature, by. training and by habits and
Is wanting in every proper manner
the qualities to fulfill the duties of
the high and responsible position to
which the President has appointed
him." Senator N. B. Dial today out
lined the reasons behind his announced
opposition to the selection of Tolbert
to be marshal of the Western district
of South Carolina.
"Tolbert," Senator Dial said, ais the
South Carolina, member of the Repub-
lican national committee, state chair
man of that organization, and was
recently appointed referee for South
Carolina for the present administra-
ton, that is, he is the chief distributor
of patronage.
81 am not concerned about these po-
sitions, and would not interfere if I
could, and could not if l would. They
are simply party matters. The ap-
pointee to the position Of marshal has
to be confirmed by and with the ad-
vice and consent of the senate, and
this is an entirely different PROPOSE
ton. Then the President is of one
political party and the senators of an
other party, there is no advice given
in these appointments, when the office
is not bipartisan one, but when the
name comes to the senate, we have to
vote either to confirm or reject, hence
we are responsible to this extent for
all appointments confirmed by the SEN
ate.
"The public has right to expect
us to use all diligence and evercisc
our best udgment-stronger than
this they have right to demand that
we scrutinize most carefully all such
appointees. l have received letters
from friends on the subject, but I
know most of this is propaganda and
that many of them have been imposed
upon.
II do not fall out with people be-
cause they are Republicans, notwith-
standing l think they show poor judg-
ment in the South to belong to this
party; l freely accord every man
right tc join whichever party he sees
proper and to select his own compan-
ions, and if there are suitable indi-
viduals in their own ranks, 1t is their
privilege to select them for political
offices. Neither do / quarrel with the
powers that be for appointing them.
"The appointee in this instance,
Joseph w. Tolbert, is unsuited by
nature, by training and by habits, and
is wanting in every proper manner the
qualities to fulfill the duties of the
high and responsible Office to which
the President has named him.
81 will not mention some unpleas-
ant matter that will throw no partic-
ular light on the subject, but will only
Cab to the minds of the people few
facts which confirm my opinion in the
matter.
"Mr. Tolbert poses as large farm
er, whereas the record in Greenwood
county shows that he does not pay
cent of taxes, except dollar poll tax,
and the records in the municipal, state
and federal courts-both on the civil
and criminal side-show that his rec
ord Is an unenviable one. l do not
mean to say that it is necessary for
man to own property to hold office;
far be it from me to take any such po-
sition. but Tolbert is sailing under
false colors.
"Mr. Tolbert's conduct since he has
been appointed Creferee' has shown
him to be a spokesman of the worst
class. For instance, under the prac-
tice of this administration in select
ing postmasters, the civil service COM
mission sends to the post Office depart
ment the three names making the
highest marks, and this department
delegates to Tolbert-the referee
the right to select whichever he
chooses. These offices are not politi-
cal ones, and in our state, the patrons
are not one per cent of Republicans,
and the offices should be kept out of
politics. However, under party rules,
where they have competent person,
it is their privilege to appoint them,
and we have made no objection.
"In these matters Tolbert has ruth
lecSly ionnrad tho op;r;t of fha o;x,,I