The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-31
ALL PRICES IN PLAIN FIGURES.
PETTIS, BASSBTT & CO.
EAST WASDOUBTLESS RIGHT
The POstofice Examination Has All the
Appearances of a Farce.
The Mugwumps Are Dissatisfied with the
Prospect, while Mr.. Jones Is Conf
dent He Will Not Be Disturbed.

1t is beginning to look as if there might be
some truth in the declaration of Mr.. Hughes
East, that the civil service investigation of the
charges against Postmaster Jones lis all a
farce" The truth is it don't look very much
like Mr.. Jones is being investigated to any great
extent, but it appears that the inquiry is being
diverted to trial of the local civil
service board. Most of the testi
mony that has been taken has related to
the charge that their examinations have been
fraudulently conducted, and in their investiga-
ton of these accusations the commissioners have
exercised the judicial power which they are
authorized to use. So far as the charges against
Mr.. Jones are concerned, however, they are
relying on voluntary testimony, although in the
document filed with the President they are made
the basis for the whole investigation, and it is
specifically alleged that he has violated the letter
and spirit of the civil-serviceI law quite as
Extensively as the local board. The only at
tentiou that is being given to the
complaint against the postmaster is in the cases
of Wilmington and Woods. Judge Thoman has
already expressed the opinion that there is no
violation of the civil-servce act in discharging
employees appointed according to its provisions
where their places are filed in the same way
and if his report to the President is made in ac-
cordance with the spirit of this Interpretation OF
any offense. There is much less anxiety about
the result Of the investigation among the friends
of the postmaster than there was when the
commissioners first begun their work You
will see," yesterday remarked prominent
Democrat who has been giving close attention to
the proceedings, that report will be fixed up
which Mr.. Swift and his mugwump friends will
have to accept as fair settlement of the
whole matter" Mr. Jones, himself, said yester-
day that he had no fears of the investigation
resulting in his Sremova]. The mugwumps
already appear to be somewhat disguised, and
there are very few people now who believe that
Mr.. Jones will be disturbed, yet the evidence
against him has not been weakened in any way.
Mr. Swift yesterday submitted to the commits
sioners statement, giving evidence IN support
of the charges against Mr.. Jones. The greater
part of the testimony taken during the day,
however, related to the examinations conducted
by the local board. The Independents were yes
terday endeavorng to get evidence of damag-
ing character against Captain Dodd with view
TO proving that his appointment was not good
one but 1t is said that they were unsuccessful in
getting some of the testimony that they sought
The commissioners thought that they would
get through with their work yesterday, but
were compelled to remain over until today to
hear some further testimony. They think
however, that the investigation will be concluded
today. and that they will leave for Washin cton
this evening.