The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-28
INSPECTOR SHARPE.
Retirement of q Trusted Observation-Disclosures
of the Postal Service


of the Postal Service.
Special to tho Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Aug 27-The resignation Of
Col. A. G. Sharpe, for many years chief of the
postofice inspectors, will remove from the service
one of its most trusted men. Sharpe is probably
more cordially heated than any Official connected
with that department. Scrupuously honorable
and high-minded himself, he brought all the in
duence of his Office to bear in Furnishing offend
ers against the law. The moro prominent
mans position the higher his social standing, so
much the greater his punishment ought to be,
Sharpe would say. Stern and exacting in all his
| official relations, he nevertheless believed in
tempering justice with mercy when the offender
was, by reason of his surroundings and tempera-
| ment. less able to Withstand temptation than
others moro highly favored by circumstances.
In conversation with the writer he was asked if
postmasters who had misappropriated public
funds were ever retained in the service after
their dishonesty became known to the depart
ment
"Well should say so" he replied with grim
smile. 'It would not be easy to state just how
many cases of that kind are brought before
US each year. but the number is
quite cOnSlueraOle. IL VIII surprise
you to know that in every of this descrip-
tion there are to be found clergymen and others
who come here to intercede for these rascals ard
save them from their just punishment They
will dilate feelingly upon the culprts' standing
in church and in the community; they will tell
you what shock it will be to society to have
him imprisoned, and then, after the Postmaster
general has promised not to prosecute him, along
comes the member of Congress, who uses his
political influence to have the thief retained"
"Do you mean to say that they are ever sue
cessfu in thisl'
'They succeed much oftener than they fail,
but, of course much depends upon the Postmas-
ter-general. Gresham was peculiarly suscept-
able to these influences They would go into
his private office and there labor with him until
they had enlisted his sympsthies, when he
would come out and say: guess we will hold
up that case for the present. That would satisfy
me that the man would be permitted to remain,
ard almost invariably this conclusion would be
justified"
"Was Hatton easily influenced"
mo; Hatton pretty tough customer.
His method of dealing with these fellows was
very peculiar When they to talk with
him he would refuse to 60 into his private office,
but would insist upon discussing the matter before
everybody. The member of Congress, preacher,
or whoever he might be, would tell his story in
low, confidential tone. Hattons reply would
usually follow in high, crescendo that could
have been heard a block away. No,
can't do it, he would scream out;
he is defaulter, and | can't afford to encourage
IL IL IL
for some other man who will make a better
official AS | say he would tell this out so that
everyone in the room, as we'll as those adjoining
could hear every word. This would usually so
mortify the visitor that he would take his de-
parture without further argument. 1 have
always supposed this was shrewd device of
Hatton's to rid himself Of these opportunities.
1t was certainly very successful. l remember"
continued Colonel Sharpe, who had drfted into
reminiscent mood, 'of sending an inspector
down into Vermont about three years ago to
look after the affairs of the postmaster Of
certain city there He found the postmaster
$500 short in his accounts. The latter was in
formed that the amount must be made good
within twenty-four hours, or he would be
arrested. He did so, and the Inspector who was
personal friend of his, reported everything all
right Six months later the postmaster stole
So 600 and left the country made personal
examination into the matter. which of course
brought out the facts of the previous depreda-
tons l Icensured the inspector for not having
reported it at the time and recommended his
dis missal. The inspector was a protege Of
Senator Edmunds and expected there would
be terrible row. Sure enough, Senator
Edmunds called at my Office the next day and
demanded the reason for his mans dismissal. I
stated the case fully, and showed wherein the
inspector had been guilty of criminal careless.
ness. Edmunds followed my remarks closely
and without interruption. When / finished he
clapped his hat OH his head and strode angrily
] AnRAh he, ha sXnu