National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1880-02-02
WASHINGTON D.. @. MONDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 2,

resentatvos Of 1.500 men and women, and
from the singular wording of the discharge re-
ceived by Mr.. Callaghnn, that Mr. Defreos was
acting under a misapprehension in regard to
the whole matter, and that IL would be pru-
dent to inform him officially of the course
taken by Mr.. Calaghan, In order that he
might correct any unintentonal injustice no
might have done him (Mr C) Tho commit
tee therefore sent tho following communica-
tlon to Mr.. Dofrces, which vas landed him
by the chairman Of this committee:
GovERNNEST pntNTING OPFiCE,
WAsHINGToN. January 10, 1880. !
Hon. John d. Defrees Public Printer,
SIN. As the committee appointed on behalf Of
the employees Of tho Government Printing olicc ut
the meeting held by them on the 2s,h Instant We
desire TO present the following rcts in relation to
the action Of Mr. john r Cuilaghau, which resulted
in his discharge by YOU. In OrdCr that any misap-
prOhonsion you may have conceived In regard TO
tho matter may be corrected, and that the proper
remedy may be applied In case You become con-
WINGED that Mr. Callaghon only acted In accordance
with the uniform usage that hos prevailed In all
printing establishments throughout the world for
generations past and that is the right Of the en-.
ploycs to assemble for the purpose Of discussing
any real or supposed grievance under which they
may BIO laboring. II simply in accordance
with this custom that Mr.. Calaghan was requested
10y large number Of his fellow wOrkmen to post
notices IN the Office calling meeting OIL Wednes.
tho public business would not be intcrfcred with,
| 10 take into consideration tho proprety OF
pcLuOnlnB congress 10 settle ny legal enact.
ment IL question affecting the interests ~
| those employed hero. lie did as requested,
and his ui,Cnse has this extent aud no more aud
| he Is no more guilty of any mpropriCty In con.
ncclion with this matter than Is any member OF
| this committee, or indeed. Gt lcas: nlne.tenths of
| those employed in this Oflico. In this connection
| the committee, on behalf OF themselves and OF
| Mr. Calhghan, desire 10 diSclaim any personal
| motives In regard 10 the whole matter, either IN
connection with yourself or others but only desired
| " nave Ncxed question settled by tho proper
| authority, the Congress of the United States IN
order that the harmony of this office might not
again be Interrupted by It's agitation here. In view
of the above statement Of facts and the impression
Tile committee is under that your action n dis
changing Mr.. Ca0ghau was taken without full
knowledge OF the circumstances surrounding the
case we have the honor ~ request aud IL is the
unanimous desire OF the employees Of this ohiCe,
That you reconsider your action in the matter and
permit Mr.. Callaghan to resume his position us
compos!tor IN this office. Respectfully, &C.,
ALfEEp THOMAS, COLUNmCs DESHAM,
CLAY ESpY, II. :. LINKER
W, H. TOWERS a. G.. CoTrLE
JAMES H. EAGER, JouS +. CLAHKsOS,
A. Il, SARDu, q. w. PIERCE,
WILLIAM b. KELLY s. L. RouzEE,
JOHN A. DALEY, III. G.. 1IsbALI
RICHARD BERRY, LEWIS II. REID,
This communication was signed by all tho
members Of The committee, aud to it we have
received no reply. In conclusion, tho commit
teo dosire to state that they have taSon the
! proper measures to bring the whole matter to
| the attention of Congress, aud believe they
| can successfully demonstrate to that body the
| injustice of depriving the persons engaged in
tho Government Printing Office of privileges
enjoyed BY all others in the Government EN-.
ploy. ALFRED THOMAS,
Chairman of the Committee.
WASHINGTON, Feb. ., 1880.