Jasper County Democrat, Volume 18, Number 69, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 November 1915 — INDIANA PATRONAGE PLAN. [ARTICLE]

INDIANA PATRONAGE PLAN.

Senators Ready to Take Care of the Seventh and Tenth Districts. Washington, Nov. 25.—The Indiana senators have agreed on a plan for the distribution of patronage in the Seventh and Tenth districts, which will be represented In the new congress by Republicans, and the first grist of postofflce appointments will be announced early next month. Instead of a division by districts the senators will agree on each individual appointment and send the recommendations to the President with the joint indorsements. Their first appointment will be that of postmaster of Valparaiso, where there is a lively contest. The term of the present postmaster will expire December 12. The active candidates are Alfred Banister, Joseph L. Doyle, John M. Fabing, B. F. Jones, Ellsworth A. Mitzner, John I'. Scott, William F. Spooner and Milan C. Sargeant. Several “dark horses”, also are figured in the running.

Following closely after the Valparaiso appointment will be appointments of postmasters at Monticello and Oxford. The candidates at Monticello are William F. Brucker and James P. Simons. At Oxford the active contestants are Frank McGuire, Ralph W. McConnell and Charles A. Moore.

Peterson Declines Chairmanship. Commenting on the Indianapolis report that he had declined the Tenth Democratic district chairmanship, former Congressman John J V>. Peterson of Crown Point, said to the Times this afternoon: Immediately upon receiving a letter from State Chairman Korbly notifying me that I had been appointed, I sent him a letter saying that J could not consider the appointment. I have not heard from him since, and though I have-been urged on .various quarters I mean to stand b ymy original decision for the good of the party. “My reason for declining are twofold. In the first place I recommended the appointment of Mr. Malcolm McDonald of Williamsport, Warren county. To recommend him and then for me to step in the place on the face of it looks like doublecrossing Mr. McDonald.

“Then too, I believe the district chairmanship should be held by a man who can unite all factions and interests, and I believe there are other men who can do that as well ag I and better than I.” Malcolm McDonald, whom Mr. Peterson recommended, is a retired and wealthy farmer, and son of the late U. S. Senator McDonald. He has never held any public office, but 11 has been county chairman of Warren county. ■ He stands high with Tenth district Democrats.—Lake County Times.