The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1880-10-13
fWsshIngton Post. ye,terday.I

Washington Post, yesterdsy.I
Mr.. Defrees. who has charge OF the Gov
eminent Printing Office, Is guilty OF the
meanest, most contemplate, most heartless
piece OF political revenge that has ever been
recorded. He Is about to discharge all tue
employees OF his department who are Demo-
Gratis. 1t will make no difference whether
they are skilled wofkmen, who earn by
honest labor every cent that Is paid
TO them; whether or not they have
wives and little ones dependent on them,
or have become entitled to their posi-
tions through years OF steady work, they
are all TO be thrown out OF employment.
The Post has frequently had occasion to
note the discharge OF men from the print.
ing.ofice for no other reason In the world
than that they were Democrats. Bot even
the most bitter partisan in the office did not
expect this fell sweep. The first intimation
OF Defrees's intention were the following
ominous words, posted on the water-cool-
ers in the rooms OF Mr. Roberts and Mr..
Penicks-the bindery and folding.rooms-
early yesterday morning.
"Those in this Office who are not Repub-
licaus advocating Republican principle, this
is their last day. October H. $780,"
II was at first thought that this was meant
for Joke, especially as there was no sigma
ture attached. But as hour after hour
passed. and the foremen did not take the
papers down, the employees realized that it
was stern reality, and that Defrees had
made threat which he would carry out.
Then little circular was printed and Cir
culated, which confirmed their worst fears.
This read as follows:
SOLDIERS, ATTENTION!
There Will be another meeting OF SOL
diers employed in the Government Printing
Office tonight, October 18th, at 1880 O'Clock,
for the purpose OF organizing company,
or companies, OF "Boys in Blue"
There must be at least 200 men (enough
to form battalion) employed In the office
who have honorable discharges from the
Union army, and this being the last day OF
doubt as to who will be the next President
OF the United States, it is 10 be hoped that
every soldier who believes in the principles
for which he fought will give full express
sion to his belief by attending the meeting
tonight. Now Is your time to show your
devotion to Republican principles.
There will be none but Republicans in
the Office after tomorrow. Turn out, and
let us see who are true Republicans to-day.
1t was stated last night that Mr.. Deirees
had resorted to his threat to frigbten EN-.
ployes who have been backward in paying
their assessments into settling with the
Republican Committee. II it has not the
desired effect, wholesale discharge may
be expected. This is the boldest bull
doing that has yet been published. 1t has
no excuse, and is enough in itself to dis
grace the Republican party and secure its
defeat.
The circular shows, too, that even the
men OF the Government PrintiOg-Ofice,
who are the loudest takers that the Repub-
lcan cause has in this city, are at heart
doubtful OF the election OF Garfield. So
these men are by no means exceptions in
this regard. 1t would not be difficult
thing to find doubtful Republican, no mat
ter where the search was made.