The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-03-27
MR.. JONES rs POSTMASTER.
= s.,mething About the Gentleman Who
IS 70 Succeed Mr.. Wildman.
How Frank Creelman Regards 'ne appoint
ment-The Business of the 0ffice---ae
Nomination Generally Satisfactory.

Nomination Generally Satisfactory.
The news of the nomination of Aduilla Jones,
ST., to be postmaster at Indianapolis, was re-
ceived in this city about noon yesterday, and
met with the general approval of the public.
Mr.. Jones has been for gro, many years
prominent citizen of -.,o,ananolis. and is we'll
known to its h-, ,n., Yesterday after
noun ne received the congratulations OF great
.sny of his friends among both Democrats and
Republicans The news of his nomination was
in the nature of surprise to most people, in
GLIDING himself. for recent dispatches have init
mated clearly that the chances were against him.
A Journal reporter, bent upon ascertaining
public opinion concerning the appointment,
found William Henderson, Mr.. Hendricks
relative and lifelong friend and supporter, athis
Office, on East Market street. As the reporter
entered the door, Mr.. Henderson, anticipating
his message, said quickly, ''You must excuse
me; am specially engaged"
But will not take more than two or three
minutes of your time want to know what
you think of the nomination of Mr.. Aquilla
Jones~
II know he is nominated. heard that on the
street"
''But'what do you think of itl"
''You must excuse me. That is matter |
prefer to say nothing about"
Mr.. Henderson would say no more. 1t was
evident, however, that the ingratitude of the
man who had had his devoted friendship for SO
many years had cut him deeply and made
wound that, if it ever heals, will still retain a
smart that will prevent forgetfulness of the
injury.
Said Postmaster Wildman: ''How do / like
the nomination? I think it an excellent one.
Mr.. Jones is gentleman of character, an old
citizen, has occupied positions of prominence
and trust, is thoroughly honest man, and will
doubtless make good postmaster. Whether
he will feel inclined to get down to the details of
the Office personally or not, do not know; if
not he will probably have competent assistants.
All told, there are thirty five clerks in this Office
proper three money-order clerks, thirty-fve
carriers, and five substitute carriers During my
term five carriers have been added. In the mail
bag repair department there are nine persons,
four of whom are women. The salaries paid in
this Office range from $3.50 to $1,000 year.
There are only five persons who receive
over $1,000. This Office is the
only government Office in the State of Indiana
that is under civilservice law. That law went
into effect upon the 10th of July, 1883. Since
that time | have appointed thirteen persons
under that law, but one of whom had l ever
seen or heard of before. One of these, | after
ward learned, is relative of Joseph e. Mcdonald,
and a strong Democrat. How many of the
others are Democrats do not know"
How many of these can be removedp
Every man can be removed. The post
master would have that right if he desired
ception of those who are responsible for
money for which the postmaster gives bond,
would have to be filled by persons appointed
under the civil service rules. In other words,
whom ne pleases in two or three places as under
stand the civil-service law to be interpreted by
the commission"
'What are these placesf'
'One of them is that of assistant postmaster,
held by Ed Z. Thompson; another that held by
Preston G.. Trusler in the money order depart
ment For the other places he IS to take only
such as pass the civil-service commission 1t
would be impossible for any one to go to work
and make clean sweep Of the Office, and my
superstition is that Mr. Jones will have no in
clnation to do so. Such move would be very
detrimental to the business interests of
the city. The distribution of mails, to
90 accurately done, requires. months of
the letters of the city also requires study and
care, which can only be acquired by close appl
cation and experience. During last year there
were about $1,0O0,0 600 handled in this
Office including money orders and the receipts
from the office and deposits from
other postmasters There are nearly 600 post
offices depositing their surplus funds here. These
are small offices over the State. About twenty
six million pieces of mail, letters papers, etc,
were handled in this office last year. One error
t0 in ri bJ1fiO he cOrd
made. In the handling of money by postal or
der and registered letter, not dollar was lost to
the government, to the public or to the post
master.
II believe the force here to be in good discip-
line faithful and pains stalking, having the good of
the service and their own records at heart.
may add, am ready to turn the Office over to my
successor on hours notice when Mr.. Jones
files his bond and presents his commission. It
has been my purpose to make this a business Of
fee, to serve the people we'll; how well l have
succeeded the public will determine"
How are the clerks paidl"
"The Postmaster general apportions certain
sum Of money to this Office for the payment of
clerks. That is distributed by the postmaster to
the clerks, in proportion to the labor and re-
sponsibilty of the places they occupy, in as
equitable manner as is possible. This roster is
then submitted to the Postmaster-general ard
is usually approved by him, though he may, if
he chooses, make changes. The carriers pay is
fixed by law. Substitutes have no salary and
only receive the pay of those whose places they
may fill. When they are promoted to carriers.
the first year, they get 5000; then, if found
worthy after years service, they are promoted
to $780, and again, after the end of another year,
if deserving, are promoted to $1,000, which is
the limit Those carriers who have horse routes
are entitled to $40 month for horses. This
Office has six horse routes. / have no doubt Mr..
Jones will be satisfactory. If / knew where to
find him, | would congratulate the old gentle
man.
Mr.. CREELMAN PLEASED.
A Journal reporter met Mr.. Frank Creelman
and asked what he thought of the appointment
of Mr. Jones. sit is good appointment" said
Mr.. Creelman, 'and think that Mr.. Jones will
very credltably fill the Office. His appointment
will not very much enthuse the Democratic