The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1885-08-19


master Jones to the charges preferred against
him and which led TO the investigation by
members of the Civil Service Commission:
UNITED STATES POSToFFIcE.
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, July y, lsSl
r. ID. Graham. ESQ. Secretary {. s Civil service
Commission. Washington, d. C.;
Dear Sir-lOur communication of July - duly
received. ] answer as follows concerning those
matters about which you specifically inquire
classified service were dismissed on twenty four
hours notice. but il is not true that Democrats
were appointed in all the vacancies thus made.
Three of the vacancies were filed by Republicans,
who were promoted In the places OF the other
Democrats, were appointed in accordance with
the civil service law, and under the rules OF the
civil service Commission. My action in regard
dismissed ON that day and my appointment of
three Republicans 20 fiji their places, is now on file
approved by the Postmaster General Nv action
in regard 10 the appointment of the two Demo
Gratis appointed on that day appears I'd be the
MessrS. Wood and Wilmington viii confine this
answer. II is true that dismissed these two men
without charges being preferred. did so because
j believed that had the right 10 do 50 under the
law. had been informed by Hon. DOrman y.
Eaton, of your board. that had this right. l had
also been informed by competent counsel that
had this right. The position held by Mr.. Whining
ton was that OF head clerk In the registry depart
ment at the Depot. The place held by Mr.. Wood
was that of clerk in the money order department.
in the pOstOfiee. These positions are of great i'm
Z.
and valuables of great worth. and for the proper
and safety of which am under a large bond
To the Government Mr. Wood and Mr.. Whining
ton were entire strangers to me, and believed,
and still believe, that under che law have the
right to designate who shall occupy places OF trust
of this character. The appointments made to fill
these vacancies were made in strict accordance
with the civil service law as understand it. |
made no charges against these two men for two
reasons:
]. Because believed that had the right to re-
move without specifying the cause.
BpCausf having
charges prs Tre as II injuries their prospects for
positions afterward.
shape, will assign what considered just causes
for the removal of these men at the time, but
"lch al1 p' ~ NJ Wood A. he fime took
charge of the office, in order to hamper me and
distress the public service. as believe two OF the
three men in the money order department alb
ruptly left me, and feared the public business
would have to stop. At the same time was IN
would also leave unless / increased his salary.
Ny position was peculiar one, and | felt forced
tocomPly with his request; and increased his
salary S1OO. felt then, feel now, that he was
no person TO serve either me or his Government.
had no fault to find with the manner in which
he performed his duties aud when he came to me
Win the Request 70 sign rccohineniatioii- dld
So believing il i always better to say kind words
than harsh ones.
p In regard 10 Mr. Wilmington have simply
10 say that made no charges against him at the
time of his removal. for the reasons already stat
ed not that such charges could not have been
made and sustained. since this has become a
matter of investigation have taken the pains TO
learn tie truth OF hls being offensive pdrtI-
san" Of which fact had some information at the
time, and herewith submit the evidence thereof.
am also informed that he received full pay from
the Government for the time he actively
serving the Republican party. In regard TO the
statement OF my son, / knew nothing of II at the
time nor since until read OF IL in your commu
nication- II he made any such statement IL was
done without my knowledge or authority and
without consulting me.
ISDIANAPoLIs Ind. July q, 1885.
We, the undersigned, residents of the First Pre-
hereby certify that we personally know Oscar y.
Wilmington, and that We know him TO be an ac-
tive Republican and that he acted as challenger
for the Republicans at the Presidential election
last fall. HOWARD L. LINDSEY
"a Mal0tt avenue.
GEORGE MILLER,
81 Nalott avenue
WILLIAM TEsgAS,
4S7 Lincoln avenue.
G.. III. ScHEEcKESGAsF.
64L Malott avenue.
FRED NJ SSYDER,
46 Malott avenue.
JOHN y. FRANZ,
4Ol% MsiOtt avenue.
In regard TO the matters in clause G., will state
that some time ago two gentlemen who did not
know and never remember 10 have seen prior to
that time u have since learned they were Mr.
swift and Mr. Howland). came to my room where
was busy with my Official duties, and inter
rOgated me az great length concerning the Office
and my intentions respecting IL. / freely gave
them all the Information could although was
surprised at the character of many of their
questions. Much was said that do not remember
in detail. may have told them that Wood and
Wilmington were efficient men. but do not re
member 70 have said that they were personally
satisfactory to me. In fact they were not so, be
have persons whom knew. in whom had the
utmost confidence. In those places | NAV have