The 'Pompous Autocrat' of the Sound

In commenting upon the inexcusable and almost criminal negligence on the part of Collector Brooks and Captain Glover in failing to render timely assistance to the unfortunate St. Stephen and her ill-fated crew, we fear that we have placed too much blame upon the shoulders of the former. There is no question but that Collector Brooks is to blame. He is the superior of Captain Glover, and it was his duty to see that everything possible was done to rescue the lives of the men, when he knew, or should have known, were in great peril. We learn, however, from no less authority than Captain Glover himself, that Collector Brooks should not be censured. At least, to save the Captain. 'I am not—' we quote the Captain’s words—'so just to Collector Brooks or any other official on Puget Sound. Collector Brooks had nothing whatever to say about this matter, and if anybody is to blame, I am the man. Something ought, I admit,' continued this pompous autocrat, 'to be done to assist our seamen when in distress, and if I am approached in the proper manner perhaps I may do something. But I want it understood that if I am to do anything my hair has got to be rubbed the right way. My hair is like a cat’s, and it don't do to rub it the wrong way. You can't make anything by clanging editorials at me.' Indeed! So the people of Puget Sound, the men who own our shipping, and the gallant officers and seamen who man our vessels may receive some assistance from the revenue cutter that was paid for and supported by the taxes paid by them if they are circumspect and 'don't rub the hair' of the conceited person who commands her the wrong way. That may be his idea, but we apprehend that he is laboring under a delusion which is as exaggerated as his idea of his own importance.