The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-07-30
THE POSTOFFICE INQUIRY.
Private Secretary East Says that the
Investigation Is a Farce.
The Excuse Given by Mr.. Jones for the Re-
mOyal of Wood and Wilmington
Progress of the Commission.

The investigation of the charges against Post
master Jones is proceeding in quiet mysteri
Gus way doubtless after the approved civil
service fashion, but in n manner certainly very
eXasperating to the curious. The commissioners
were closeted about eight hours yesterday in the
small room in the rear of the postoffice assigned
to their use, but what they did is known only in
general way. The time was chiefly occupied
in looking over the examination papers which
passed through the hands of the local board in
relation to which it is charged that there was
fraud 1t is evident that particular attention
is being given to these charges, ard that they
are regarded by the commissioners as of more
Importance than any of the other accusations
After concluding the examination of the papers
yesterday afternoon, the commissioners took the
oral testimony of the different members of the
local board, and they have avaed themselves Of
the full judicial power in making the
most searching investigation of the
charges that the examinations had been con-
Quoted fraudulently. Although not embodied in
the specifications 1t is stated by the ndepend-
ents that certain Democratic politician who
has figured conspicuously in Indianapolis in the
last year or two, seen coming out of the post
office on one occasion with bundle of civil service
examination papers under his arm and they were
distributed, it is asserted, among the Democratic
applicants, who were enabled to prepare answers
to all the questions in advance. While they
claim that there is no doubt that this occurred,
the charge not embodied in the specifications,
it is stated, for the reason that there was
not sufficient evidence to prove beyond doubt
that it was absolutely true. The inquiry of the
commissioners. thus far, has extended only to
the records, and to the testimony of the local
examiners They rely upon the papers 10 show
whether or not the averages given the applicants
on fair indication of their proficiency. and
the oral testimony is taken with view of
determining whether or not there was any unfair
discrimination in the manner of conducting the
examinations.
AS to the charge that Postmaster Jones has
violated the cvilservice law, a Democrat of
some prominence yesterday declared, "There is
nothing in it,"
"Why? was asked.
'He denies the charges"
This may settle it III the minds of the Indian
apois Democrats, who generally uphold Mr.. y
Jones, but there are some people who believe
that the evidence against the postmaster is too
strong to be swept away by general denial, If
President Cleveland is really in earnest in the
endeavor to learn the facts, and intends to give
them judicial consideration.
The written answer of Mr. Jones to the
charges was submitted to the commissioners
yesterday morning The executive committee
of the independents furnished with a copy
of it, so that they might prepare a reply, sup
porting their charges. None of the statements
have been finally acted on In his written state
ment Mr. Jones makes general denial of the
charge that he has violated either the spirit or
the letter of the civil service law He iusties
the removal of Wilmington and Woods the
clerks who were appointed under civil-serv-
ice rules, the ground that they had
neglected their duties, and had been
guilty of offensive conduct He says that one of
| them neglected his duties in the postofice to .
perform work for the Republican campaign COM
| mittee, and that he received pay for the time
thus employed both from the government and
| the Republican committee. He claims further
that, under the civil service law he had a right
to remove them, without preferrng charges,
and fill their places according to the cvservice
rules, and that he had been advised by one of
the commissioners. However, the evidence
will show that when Wood was
dism ssed he was gwen a certificate bearing the
signature of Mr.. Jones, stating that there had
been no dissatisfaction with the manner in which
he had discharged his duties, while Wilmington
was assured that the only reason for his removal
was that Democrat wanted his place
Mr. Jones does not appear to be very much
disturbed by the investigation, and seems to
think 1t quite impossible that anything should
result from it. Possibly he is being deceived by
the talk of his Democratic friends, who
seem to think that the whole mat
ter can be summary disposed of by !.
declaring that there is nothing in it." Such is
the declaration of MIR. Hughes East, the private
secretary of the Vice president. why, sir"
said Mr. East to Journal reporter yesterday,
1.-The whole thing is farce. 1t is very laughable
to have all this talk about Mr.. Hendricks and
the President being at war over this matter I
cannot see that there is anything in the whole
matter A few mugwumps have become dis
satisfied with Mr.. Jones's way of conducting the
affairs Of his Office. and have complained to the
President. Mr.. Cleveland has simply referred
the complaint to the civil-service commission
ers This disposes OF it, aud there will be
nothing more Of the matter I am told that
there are fully three fourths of the mugwumps
who are willing to sign petition protesting
against the action of Swift in filing charges
against Mr. Jones.
81 want to say to you further" Mr. East
added. that there is no truth in the statement
that Mr.. Hendricks has ever suggested or re-
commended any appointments in the postoffice.
While in Washington he received a hundred
letters asking his recommendation for positions
under Mr. Jones He declined to comply with
any of the requests, for the reason that he had
been active in urging the appointment of Mr..
Jones'"
A Washington telegram to the Cincinnati En-
quirer yesterday announced that Senator Voor-
bees had left Washington for this city, to defend
Mr.. Jones, who is, Mr. voorhees, declares, ''up-
held by the Democrats Of the State" Mr.. Jones
stated, when his attention was called to the
telegram. that he knew nothing about it, and
that he did not need Mr. Voorhees, or anvbodv
else"
Chief Examiner Lyman stated to Journal
reporter last evening that he thought the investi
cation would be completed to-day. The report
Of the examiners will be filed with the commits
sion Immediately, and there will DO no delay in
referring it to the President, but as to how soon
1t Will be finally disposed of there is means of
knowing, as it will rest wholly with the Pres-
dent to decide at his pleasure or convenience. ;
Self Explanatory Correspondence.
New York Tribune.
10 fo'ln cko1o r1a IL -.