National Republican., 1880-02-27

Baldwin-on the alleged violation Of the
law In reference TO the appointment Of
wounded soldiers to civil Office and the al.
legged custom m-house abuses In the State of
Rhode Island The minority say that the In.
vestigation disclosed nothing TO sustain the
charges brought in tho memorial, which
alleged that the laws providing for the ap.
pointmcnt of ex.soldicrs to office have been
violated in tho removals aud appointments
in that department of the public service. They
assert that there WAS abundant aud conclusive
testimony adduccd, which proved that "no
person honorably discharged from the military
or naval service by reason of wounds or sick
ness incurred In the line of duty" had been
removed, aud that the application Of no such
person for appointment had been disregarded.
Continuing, they say that soon after the new
Collector of Customs, appointed by the Presi.
dent had taken his place he made four re.
movals for reasons satisfactory TO him
self aud to the Secretary of the Treasury, to
whom the nominations for the successors of
these four mon were submitted. and by whom
they wore approved. None of tho persons no.
moved como under the designation of the sec.
tion Of tho Revised Statutes alleged to have
been violated. There was contradictory tcsti
mony concerning the fitness and qualifications
Of the persons removed, but the fidelity and
ability Of those appointed In their place were
proved beyond question.
Tho collector, they say, stated under oath
that he made the changes for the good of the
service, as the minority remark under the
laws he is authorized to do. Congress has
provided for appointments aud removals, and
by resting this power in the hands of the col
lcCtor, with the approval of the Secretary of
the Treasury, has relieved itself of the mme.
diato control and responsibility Of the
matter. "lf" they say "in the case
of every tidc.waitcr or inspector re-
moved an appeal lies from tho collector
aud the Secretary of tho Treasury to Con-
gress, this body will have little time for the
consideration of any other business. SOme-
thing must be left to the discretion and
Judgment of the officer charged with the col
lection of the revenue"
Referring to the charge of nepotsm made
In the memorial, the minority say This was
not only not sustained by particle of evil
nencc, but was clearly and positively dis
proved by the testimony"
III regard to the charges brought against the
postmaster at Providence, the minority assert
that the matter had previously been fully in.
vestigatcd by the POstmaster-Gcneral,a aud tho
result of the investigation WAS complete ac-
quittal of the accused. This officer, they say,
lis no longer In the public service, having ro-
signed in disgrace, but not from any reason
stated or suspected before this investigation.
Tho Department was deceived in him. and the
community was equally deceived, for he had
the reputation of an excellent and efficient
public officer" The minority conclude by
expressing their opinion that the public SER
vico in the Providence custom-house il well
adminIstcred that the subordinate officers,
satisfactory to the head of tho Department,
are well qualified for their places aud efficient
in the discharge of their duties, and that the
result of tho investigation dlscloses nothing
to call for the further attention of the Senate.