The Evening critic., 1882-06-23
HUBBELL'S CHALLENGE
To George william Curtis and 9th
ers to Make the Issue Threatened
by the SO-called Civil-Sefvice Re.

ers to Make the Issue Threatened
by the SO-called Civil-Sefvice Re.
formers.
Afew days ago the following circular, dated
'Civil-Service Reform Association, 4 Pine
street, New York, June II, 1882" and signed
by "George William Curtis, president; Ever
EFT p. Wheeler, chairman executive commits
tee, and William Potts, secretary, was sent to
Government employees:
DEAR SIR: We understand that circular
has recently been sent TO you from the Repub-
lican Congressional Committee, asking for
contributions toward defraying the expenses
OF that committee at the coming election.
We desire to inform you that, in the opinion
or counsel, as the members of the committee
are officers Of the United States Government
you, as an oniceholder, are liable, under Sec
lion y or chapter 2S7 of the United States
Statutes, 1876 supplement to Revised Statutes
page 245), to punishment by fine or removal
from oflce, or both, in case you subscribe as
requested. The National Civil-Service Reform
League proposes TO bring the matter to the at
tentton OF the Attorney General and other
prosecuting officers of the United States, and
until their decision is given We should advise
you prudently TO refrain from complying with
the request OF the committee.
In reply Il. this, Representative Hubbell,
chairman Of the Republican Congressional
Committee, he's addressed the following letter
to George William Curtis
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
WASHINGTON, d. c., June %.
SIR understand that q circular signed by
you mas Deen sent 10 large numDerS OF per-
sons employed in the service of the United
States, advising them to refrain from comply
ing with the request Of the Republican Con-
campaign fund. In this circular you state
that 'in the opinion OF counsel, as the
members OF the Republican Congressional
Committee are officers Of the United States
Government, all persons making contribution
TO such committee will render themselves
liable under section o, chapter 2S7, United
States Statutes"
II 1t be the law that persons paying became
thereby liable TO a penalty, /, being member
or Congress and the treasurer who receives the
payment, am also liable. l am willing to
meet you on this question anywhere or at any
time and to unite with you In requesting the
General. II you desire any other form OF ac-
tion In any tribunal which can give an imme-
diate consideration OF the point, will Join
you In testing the soundness OF the circular,
and invite you to this mode OF settlement as
both more manly and more honorable than
your attempt TO confuse the action or alarm
the minds OF the employees alluded TO.
The law is misstated In your circular, and
the alarm you seek to create is without 1usti.
ncation In the law. Your counsel" 10 whom
you vaguely allude, either rmisunderstands or
perverts 1t. Disdaining to seek shelter behind
any cover, j, therefore, challenge you 20 the
ton OF the degree OF responsibility which is
attached TO this fact and to the correctness OF
your circular, which distinctly deny. Re-
spectfully yours, JAY A. HuBBELL,
Chairman and Treasurer Republican Co ngres-
sional Committee.
Mr.. UeOrge WiliidM Curtis, NeW York, Presi
dent CtcitSerVice Reform association.