A Treasurer's Patronage Promise Comes Due
Two bondsmen wanted John Grunkranz put on the county payroll, and they reminded Treasurer Maple that they had put up $15,000 on his word.
County Treasurer Maple is already experiencing some of the difficulties of office holding. Yesterday he was visited by Robert Abrams and John Schram, two of his bondsmen, who wanted to know why John Grunkranz had not been given a clerical position in the office. Mr. Maple was not on duty yesterday, as he was at home, feeling slightly ill, and the two bondsmen, who were accompanied by Attorney Barnes, were referred to Chief Bookkeeper Davis. After a short conference, during which Davis informed them that Grunkranz had been left off the force because he had not 'shown up' at the office, they were assured that Mr. Maple's promise would be made good. Mr. Schram is on the bond for $10,000 and Mr. Abrams for $5,000, and they intend to withdraw if their wishes are not respected. Mr. Abrams said yesterday that the only possible reason for his signing had been that the new treasurer had absolutely promised a place to Mr. Grunkranz. Grunkranz lives in the Lake Union district, is about 40 years of age, married, and is said to be eminently qualified for the coveted position.
“The only possible reason for his signing had been that the new treasurer had absolutely promised a place to Mr. Grunkranz.”
Patronage was the small change of 1890s county politics: men who bonded a treasurer expected jobs in return. The argument in Maple's office is a recognizable ancestor of modern fights over appointments, campaign promises, and who gets on the public payroll.
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