The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-08-16
GRANDPAJONES' STATEMENT
He Tells the Administration His Side of
the Mugwumps' Little Story.
sr thinks Wilmington Was Very Offensive
Partisan, While Wood Wanted To Block
the Wheels of Government.

for the hrst time given to the public.
copy of the reply has been furnished the local
mugwumps, and the original sent to Washing
ton. Mr. Jones's statement Of the case is as
follows:
UNITED STATES PosToFFICE. }
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind July 20, 1850.
err D. Graham Secretary United States Civil-service
Commission, Washington, ID. C.:
Dear Sir-Your communication of July %
duly received. answer as follows concerning
those matters about which you specifically in
quire:
classified service were dismissed on twenty-four
hours notice, but it is not true that Democrats
wero appointed in all the vancancies thus made
Three of the vacancies were filled by Republic
ans. who were promoted. In the places of the
ether two who were dismissed, two persons, who
were Democrats, were appointed in accordance
with the ciyil-service law and under the rules Of
the Civil-service Commission. My action
in regard to the three Republican
E'ail carriers who were dismissed on
that day, and my appointment of three
Republicans to fill their places. is now on file
IN the Postoffice Department in Washington and
approved by the Postmaster general. My action
in regard to the appointment of two Democrats
appointed on that day appears to be the prn-
eipal cause of this inquiry, and to the cases of
Messrs. Wood and Wilmington will confine
this answer It is true that | dismissed these
two men without charges being preferred. did
so under the law. had been informed by Hon.
Dorman n. Eaton of your board. that had this
right. I had also been informed by competent
counsel that had this right. The position held
by Mr.. Wilmington was that OF head
the the depot: D' The place held by BY Mr.. IT.
Wood was that of clerk in the money order de-
partment in the postofice. These positions are
Of great Importance as those who hold them
handle money and valuables Of great worth, and
&Ou nv16 cnfnf nf Yp1 Tom
under large bond to the government Mr.
Wood and Mr.. Wilmington were entire strangers
10 me, and believed and still believe that under
the 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:
II. Because believe that | had the right to
remove without specifying the cause
y. Because men prefer to 60 without having
charges preferred, as it Injuries their prospects
for positions afterTard.
Since, however, this matter has assumed this
shape, will assign what considered just causes
which did not make for the reasons given:
Il. In regard to Mr.. Wood. At the time
took charge of the Office, in order to hamper me
and distress the public service, as believe, two
abruptly left me and feared the public business
would have to stop. At the same time l was in
Iorlned that Nj, Wood, the remaining clerk,
would also leave unless increased his salary.
My position was peculiar one, and felt forced
10 comply with his request, and [ increased his
salary $780, | felt then, as feel now, that ne
was no person to serve either me or his govern
ment. had no fault to find with the manner in
which he performed his duties, and when he
came to me with the request to sign recon-
reendation, | did so, believing it is always bet
ter to say kind words than harsh ones.
''2. In regard to Mr.. Wilmington, l have
simply to say that made no charges against
him at the time of his removal for the reasons
hlready stated; not that such charges could not
have been made and substantiated. Since this
has become matter of investigation | have
taken pains to learn the truth of his being
offensive partisan, of which fact l 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 was actively serving the Republican
party. In regard to the statement of my son,
knew nothing of it at the time, nor since, until
read Of it in your communication. If he made
any such statement it was done without my
knowledge or authority, and without consulting
me.
"1NDIANAPoL1S, Ind, July 81, 1885.
I'VE the undersigned. residents of the First
precinct of the First ward of the city of Indian
apolis, hereby certify that personally know
Oscar N Wilmington, and that we know him to
be an active Republican, and that he acted as
challenger for the Republicans at the presiden-
hal election last past
''64 Malott avenue.
"GEoRGE MILLER
''64 Malott avenue.
WILLIAM lehman,
'478 Lincoln avenue.
&c. H. SCHRECKENGAST.
'46a Malott avenue.
FIRED NJ SNYDER,
'64 Malott avenue.
John P. FRANZ,
'4Ol Maott avenue
I'm regard to the matters in clause c, I will
state that some time ago two gentlemen. who
did not know and never remember to have seen
prior to that time Il have since learned they were
Mr. Swift and Mr.. Howlandl, came to my room
where was busy with my official duties, and
Intercepted me at great length concerning the
office and my intentions respecting it, [ freely
gave them all the information could, although
was surprised at the character of many of their
questions. Much was said that | do not remem-
Der in detail. / may have told them that Wood
and Wilmington were efficient men, but do not
remember to have said that they were personally
satisfactory to me. In fact they We're not so,
because they we're strangers to me and | wished
to have persons whom knew, in whom | had
The utmost confidence in those places. | may
have said that they were not of our 18th, but
did not say that | changed them because had
promised their places to Democrats. [ may
have said some such thing in regard to others
outside of the classified service, some of whom
promise of places IN the classified service, as
knew and stated that would have TO be gov
srned in those cases by the civilservice law
| don't remember to have said that / intended
10 discharge all but a few Republicans.
| may have said that when I came into
he office found but one Democrat among the
slightly or more employees in the Office. and that
believed that the Democratic party should have
1T least a majority of the employees. When asked
by Mr. Swift whether would appoint Republic
4 NO M was
arule, | shall appoint Democrats; that was, in
my opinion one of the meanings of Mr.. Cleve-
lands election; that should go slow in appoint
ing Republicans if Democrats wanted the places.
and were qualified under the civil-service law"
did not say that would remove Republican
simply because lie was Re publican in order to
give Democrat his place, when the APP
pointments are governed by the civil
service law. This may have been
said in regard to places not governed
kN this laS, Ia -