The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1885-05-16
Postmaster General vilas's Circu-
lar.
Directions fOr Getting Republicans Out Of
once.
The following is the full text Of the circular
Just issued by Postmaster General Villas:
Eonfdentiall
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.,
OFFICE oF POsTnGAsrER GENERAL,

OFFICE oF PosTMAsrEE GENERAL. :
WAsHISeToN, D. G., April 30, 1857
Dear Sir: The continued illness Of MIR. Hay VIII
delay his coming for some tins yet to the depart
ment, and think 1t desirable that same aStion
shsud be ,nass.n taken in the way Of .nn
in securing relief, to which they are Justly
entitled, from partisan postmasters. have had
conference with the Yh ginia delegation, and they
will soon bring in their cases, and shall hope 70
make the earliest removals In that state. AS soon
as they shall bo ready. and hope within a week l
desire to appoint from three 10 ten in county In
Virginia, amounting to several hundred altogether.
had intended to invite yourself and the Democrat
ic delegation from Ohio to meet me this week and
consider the plan upon which we should proceed In
making removals in Ohio. But understand 10 Will
be incoDyenient for some to travel hther now, and
1t has occurred to me that perhaps the same end
might be accomplished by writing. shall beg you.
therefore, to consider the suggestion 1 make as to
them and get some cases ready within the next two
or three weeks think within the month OF May
can give substant al relief that will take away tho
to 20 per cent Of the fourth class postmasters In
Ohio might be removed within the next two months,
and great good accomplished thereby, IL our people
will adhere to proposed plan.
This is, in short. to pick out the most obnoxious
and Offensive partsAns in each county, 70 the num-
Der of sixth to quarter Of ALL and choose 4rBt-
class men to take their places. Will require
proof of partisanship in these selections than
Representative or Senator that the postmaster has
been an active editor or proprietor OF Republican
newspaper printing offensive articles, easily shown
cal committee, or officer Of q campaign club, or
organizer Of political meetings, or that his once
has been made the headquarters OF political work.
or that his clerks have been put into the perform
ance of political duties. Possibly other acts Of
equal force may be noted in somo cases. II the
representative does not know the fact 1t should be
established by some affidavit Of some person whom
he can affirm to be Of unquestioned crodibillty,
by some documentary evidence.
In recommending for appointment, beg the
representative will state the age business, and what
kind OF business experienee, and description OF
his habits and standing in the community. u
would be well to file evidence showing that he will
be satisfactory to the community, and when there
are various candidates, shall be obliged BY any
explanation which the representative can give.
This necessarily imposes little trouble. and yet
not very great but t seems to me reasonable to re-
quire very extraordinary care and trouble enough
to be taken to represent surely the facts. The
earliest removals and appointments Of this kind
will challenge the keenest scrutiny. The former
must be justfabe, and the latter beyond criticisn.
Some mistakes have perhaps occurred, and our ad-
versaies are keenly interested to make the most Of
every fault, because they have perceived 8 strong
current Of general appreciation Of the purposes OF
the administration.
In rendering this justice to our people, which
consists of the removal of opponents and substitu-
ton of friends feel that 1t is very desirable
rectly representing the Presidents wishes .snd pur
poses In earnestly soliciting that every step bo
taken accordingly. may add that as the common
person, however great his place. appointments to
further mere personal end should be absolutely
forbidden, and recommendations upon that basis
may well expect disfavor.
shall very willingly take up the case OF any dis
trct or OF any county whenever they are ready and
shall be glad if the representative personally
attend and 60 over them. Papers should be sent in
soon as possible, and will be then carefully
briefed in the department.; and when 90 mada
ready. appointments can be made with great
rapidity
Should you think it desirable to have a personal
conference before this is begun shall be very glad
to meet the delegation.
But as have felt it desirable to relieve them Of
unnecessary journeying and expense, have written
a similar letter to each representative from Ohio
and respectfully solicited responsive action In &C
cordance with the spirit of it.
Very truly yours.
WILLIAM f. Villas
Postmaster General.