The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-10-11
Political Plumber.
IMPORTANT CIRCULAR TO COMMANDANTs OF NAVY

YARDS,
NAVY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, Oct. 9, 1855
SIR-The attention OF the Department has been called
tn attempt recently made in Philadelphia
tax for party purposes the workmcn IN the Navy Yard
IL Is claimed by those VINO nave participates IN these
years ut thatand other navy yards OF levyng contb
tons OF this character on mechanics and aborers
ployed by the government
Such abuse be permitted and IL Is the object
of this communication To prohibit 1t wherever II be
practsed
From inquiries Instituted by the Department on the
complaint OF sundry workmen who represented that
committee had undertaken, through the agency OF the
masters to collect from each OF the employees in their
respective departments, sum equal to day tabor
for party purposes has been asccrtaned that there
Greetings arrested, the sum of Thousand and
nfty-two dollars.
This and all other attempt. to exact money from labor
ers in the public service, either by compassion volun
sry contribution Is in every point Of view rcprohensi
BILE and lis wholly and absolutely prohibited Whatever
money may have been thus exaced and Ia now in tho
hands Of tho masters viii be forthwith returned to the
workmen from whom " was received; snd any master
other aprontee OF this Department who be guilty
Of repetition OF this offence, who shall hereafter
participate In cvyng contributions in the navy yards
from persons In the government service for party pur
poses will incur the dispcasurc OF the Department and
render himself liable to removal The Organization Of
the yard must not be perverted TO aid any party Por
sons who desire TO make voluntary party contributions
find opportunities TO DO NJ ward other local 20
tcal meetings. and on other occasions than during work
ing hours They neither to be assisted opposed in
this matter by government officials. The navy yards
must no, DO prositn,cd to any such purpose. nor will
commissioner be permitted 10 resort fhither make
collections for any political party whatever Working
men and Others in the service OF the government are
expected and required TO devote their time and energies
during working hours and while In the yard 10 the
labor which they arc employed 70 execute
II has been also represented that some OF the masters
nj OF the navy yards employ extra bands proceed
ing warmly contested elections and that much or the
time OF these supcrluous hands devoted 10 party cleo
tonecring such abuse " II exist in any department.
Of any Of the navy yards must he corrected No
persons should b. retained In the navy yards than the
public service actually requires Party gatherings and
party discussions at all times 10 be avoided within
the yards II will be the duty Of the commandments Of the
respective yards and Of all officers to that this order
Is obeyed Very respectfully
GIDEON wELLEs, Secretary Of the Navy.
CIRCULAR.
Application IN al the position Of master workman in
any the navy yards will hereafter be addressed 10 the
chief ~ the Bureau of Yards and Docks, stating the
name age and residence OF the applicant with testimo
mails TO his character habits professional skill and
competency, and physical ability
Whenever a shall in the office 81 master
board viii be convened al the navy yard where such
vacancy exists, under the direction ~ the Secretary Of
the Navy and selection will be made from the qualified
candidates who shall have passed satisfactory examina-
ton
The selection Of master workman will hereafter he
made irrespective Of locality district state being
entitled 70 preference for these positions.
GIDEON WELLS, Secretary 81 The Navy.
NAVY DEPARTMENT., Oct, Z, 1865