The Political Spoils of a Walla Walla Clerk

Mr. Benton, having been dismissed by the U.S. Attorney, addressed a letter to his former superior. Benton reminded Mr. B— of the fact that a year and a half ago, he was considered a friend, but that is all changed now. Benton justifies his public statement on the ground that B— attacked the administration instead of defending it. He ends by saying that he could now think of nothing more unworthy than defending such a person. Benton writes: 'Had you not prevailed upon me to make the change, either by political request or otherwise, you would have been excusable. Had I not applied to you for the position, or had I been at the time of my appointment without ability to make a decent living for myself and family, without home or household effects, and in debt for even the necessaries of life, with no prospect of getting out other than the mean chance of eating at the public crib, as was your case, the situation would be different. But on the contrary, you came to the store where I was employed, and without any solicitation, you tendered the position to me. You held out as an extra inducement for me to accept that the office should be removed to Walla Walla. I accepted the proposition, thereby resigning the position I had held for six years with Mr. E.W. Evans, in which my salary had been $100 per month. After deciding not to move the office, you requested me to move over here, and gave me every reason to believe I should retain the position as long as I should prove worthy. I complied, selling off my effects and moving my family, only for you to give me five days' notice that my services were no longer required.'