St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-02-07
THE CASE OF sHADRICK.
Correspondence Showing the Sus
pension To he Temporary.

An article appeared in the last Minneap-
oils Evening Journal as follows: The I'M
certainty of things political is prominently
brought to notice by the startling rumor
that Hon. p. Ii. Kelly, distributor of pluns
to the Minnesota Democracy. has brought
about the decapitation of X. II. Shadrick,
assistant superintendent of the new gov
eminent building and postoffice at Mime
apols, who was appointed to this posi-
ton through Mr.. Kelly himself.
Mr.. Shadrick has been requested to prepare
his resignation at an early date and step
down and out OF the Office. The orders
came from Washington by Mr. Kelly, and
thence through Supt. Bassford of ST. Paul.
No reason seems To have been assigned by
the mOguls themselves for the Official be-
heading but enough has developed to show
that it is simply because of Mr.. Shadriek's
stand in opposing the competition
of convict labor upon the building
of which he is superintendent. Dur
ing the past six months Mr.. Shadrick
has openly uttered protests, all of which,
il is said, were 50 distasteful TO the Demo-
cratic sachem at St Paul that ne last fall
proceeded to petition at Washington for
Shadrick's removal Now it has come to
make way for man less obnoxious To the
mighty chieftain. The only man
known to be mentioned thus far as
Shadrick's successor is Conway. formerly
a well-known stone builder of this city.
A little insight into this affair shows why
Kelly has turned upon his friends. He has
older and dearer friends il Is said. in Hen
messy and Cox, the contractors of st. Paul.
Their friendship must be kept warm, and
as Shaddock's policy in opposing convict
labor was displeasing, to say the least TO
them, the boss had to do something. The
only way of getting even was to fire"
Shadrick."
Mr.. Shadrick being interviewed In reference
to the matter states that he knows nothing
of the article. and is In no way connected
with its publication. 1t probably arose
from rumor that he was marked for DO
litical decaptation. which came TO his ears
and induced him to write the following
letter to p. II. Kelly.
Fourteen South Eleventh Street. Minneap-
oils. Mimi, FEB. 4, 1857 Hon. p. II. Kelly,
st. Paul, Mlnn.-Dear Sir: l have been in-
formed that my removal from my position on
the United States postoflce and custom house
now in course of erection at Minneapolis has
been determined upon. / wish to be apprised
of the reasons. If am TO blame IL is only
justice 1 should be informed of the
cause or causes of the removal. / can
not understand what change has occurred
in me in go short time as to DISC ualify
me for such q humble position. j ask that
you accord me the consideration OF informing
me by mail why i am to be removed. ="
Charges against me must receive the light of
investigation and public scrutiny; or il there
be none still hope TO be enlightened. Rc-
spectfully, r. II. SHADRIcK.
To which he received the following re-
ply:
st. Paul MIMI, Feb. 8, I9s8.-R. H. Shad-
rick. Esq, Minnoapolis-Dear sir: In reply TO
yours of the Attn, would say that know moth
ting about your discharge, nor any reasons
for 1t. l simply supposed that the work was
discontinued, and that Mr.. Bassford was laid
OF as well as yourself.
know nothing about Mr.. Bassford's plans
for the future. have seen him but once
since the first of January. i would suggest
that you confer with him in regard to any
thing TO be done in the future. OF course
the superintendent must be satisfactory to
him, as he is the party held responsible and
not me. Yours truly, p. H. KELLY
Mr.. Shadrick emphatically denies that he
Influenced 3, 900 men in favor of Edmund
Rice of st. Paul. or one man, for that
matter, and states that the Journal article
in reference to that matter is not reflection
of any views he may have. 1t is not within
the power of any man to lead organized
labor by the nose to that extent, and should
1t be attempted by older men than he, they
would soon lind out that it is not a posi-
bility.
Mr.. Shadrick also states that at the proper
time the whole matter will receive his per-
sonal attention over his own signature, for
which he will be responsible and for no
other statements or communications.
Mr.. Kelly was last night interviewed at
his St Paul residence and confirmed, in
substance, the letter given above. 1t ap-
peals, therefore, that temporary suspen-
sion Of all employees has been ordered dur
ng the interval of no work.
1.-THE fact OF the matter is" said Mr.
Kelly, ''that Mr.. Bassford himself re-
quested that the whole force, including
himself, be laid off because there was no
work being done, and he did not want the
governments money without giving quid
pro quo. Few people have such conscien-
cious scruples as Mr.. Bassford. but as the
whole force was laid off Mr.. Shadrick had
to go with the rest. l was requested to
write letter explaining the case. which
did, and am perfectly willing to give you a
copy of it for publication, but have not got
it here. viii be glad to give it to you Mon
=. a..