Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-01-04
The President and the Veterans.
CORRESPONDENCE GROWING OUT

INTERESTING CORRESPONDENTS GROWING OUT
OF DISCHARGE IN BALTIMORE.
A reduction in the force OF the Baltimore
custom house having been found advisable
some time ago, an examination was held, in
order that those found least efficient might be
dropped. Among those reported for dismissal
by the special Treasury agent, who conducted
the examination, and who, by the way, was a
republican, was Capt. 9. s. Baker, a member of
the Veterans Rights Union. Gen. Ross, editor
OF the Mary land Veteran, and Past Senior Vice
Repubic to the Oh ise
cember 10 In regard to the dismissal of Capt.
Baker, claiming that 1t was violation of the
of the late war shall be given the preference in
the public service, and that Capt. Baker was
efhcient and no charges had ever been made
against him. Gen: Ross reverts to the Presi-
dents previous utterances on the subject of
veterans rights, and asks his Intervention In
the case OF Capt. Baker.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAYS.
Under date of Dec. 18th, President Cleveland
replied, saying that he had caused Capt Bakers
case to be looked into, and had himself exam
ined the report submitted by the Treasury de-
partment. This report said: "Among the num-
Der selected as least efficient was Capt. Baker,
whose personal habits were such as to interfere
with the proper discharge Of his duties" The
President also informed Gen. Ross that the
said he was satisfied no mistake had been made
In the case of Capt. Baker. The President con-
tinues: You must concede, think, that this
ally the action Of Whics you OUT s assn
inclined to complain" The President further
says that while he has adopted the theory that
the spirit OF the law requires that the same
preference should be applied to the retention
Of soldiers when reduction is necessary as 10
Maad ca& the shaaS
VIZ are inefficient The 's' letter 's eon
and proper and generous appreciation of the
services Of those who risked their lives for the
SAFE s,, Of their country in her time Of need
fairly and in good faith observed. But it
should always be remembered that service in
applicants for the proper discharge of duty in
all public employments, and the unwelcome
fact must also be conceded, suppose, that dis
prove themselves unworthy of employ
ment or retention in public positions"
The President also suggests that it would be
violation of the law are made. and In closing
says he believes the present administration
adherence to the principles upon which the
preference given to soldiers and sailors is
founded.
GEN. ROSS REPLIES.
Gen. Ross, under date of December 80, replies
that on investigation he found that during
Capt. Bakers three years service no charges
had been made against him, ana that his re-
ports were always correct The general also az
cused the special Treasury agent who made the
examination of informing the President in
certain particulars. Collector Webster, of Bal
timOre, who is republican holding over, said
he had not been consulted regarding the reduc-
lions, and knew nothing about the matter until
list of the proposed dismissals was handed
him by the special Treasury agent. The Balti-
more correspondent of the New York Herald
intimates that the collector purposely avoided
assuming any responsibility in the matter,
throwing it all on the special Treasury agent.
The CORES pondent also hints that the collector
has not treated Gen. Ross with frankness in the
matter.