The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-05
THE PHILADELPHIA INQUEST.
Further Testimony Showing that the Postof-
flee Is Run On strict Party Basis.

PHILADELPHIA, April 4-The senatorial in
vestigating committee to inquire into the charges
of violation of the ciyil-service law in the ad-
ministration of the federal Offices in this city
sumed its sessions here this morning, Senator
Hale presiding. The first witness was Howard
e. Chase, business man. who said that he re-
ceived about 200 letters day. He testified that
the service of the letter-carrier upon whose
route his Office is situated is unsatisfactory. In
December last the old letter-carrier. who had
served twelve fifteen years, was dismissed.
This man was, in witnesses opinion, model let
ter-carrier, who selSom If ever made a mistake.
lie dismissed without cause and all the
business men on his route were disgusted with
the Inconvenience In consequences. His prompt
ness was proverbial, and could almost set
his watch by his appearance. The business men
protested to Assistant Postmaster Deake,
through q committee. against his removal. Wit
then presented envelopes OF letters which
were delayed two snd three days since the new
carrier had taken the old carriers place.
Captain Magnin, who on the stand yester-
day. was recalled, but his testimony was unim-
portant.
Bradford Clark, q grocer, testified as to the
dismissal of the carrier named by Mr.. Chase,
and said that he was q Democratic leader in the
Twenty,seventh ward against the postoitice fac
ton. The talk of Randall faction was absurd
1t was the postoffce against the good men, and
the postofhce generally won in his ward, because
it could promise and give rewards for service
Miss Josephine Potter testified that she
suspended without cause, and had never been
reinstated. She had tried in vain TO get
inkling into the reasons for her discharge, but
had failed. She had appealed TO the Civil-serv-
vice Commission in vain, and had surprised the
President at public reception with bold
request that he should interfere. but had been
refus ed. She then sought to get access to Mrs
Cleveland, when that lady was here at the con-
stltutional celebration, but had failed. Witness
from Indiana.
James A Stovel testified that Assistant Post
Deak0 IL
tics.
The committee then took a recess.
After the recess, Maxwell Stevenson was
sworn. at his own request. and denied absolutely
that he had said to Mr. MonJrey, testified to
yesterday, that persons would be sent to the
civil-serviee examinations to pass them for
workers who could not stand such examinations.
General Huidekooper was then sworn. He
said that while he was postmaster at Philadel
phia he had never allowed q in the post
Office to attend political convention or any po-
litical meeting to the detriment OF the service
Witness said that he was removed without
cause, and after Postmaster-general Villas had
told him that under his administration tho
Philadelphia poStofics was the best managed of
any in the United States
A. Walrous. city editor of the Phiadelphia
Press, was called and submitted an article from
his paper of Oct 5. 1887, containing allegations
of the participation of Democratic oficeholders
in local politics. with the names Of the offenders;
also fac-simile of political document which
he said printed in the postoffce under Mr..
Harritys administration.
Joseph w. BECK t6stided that Wnen Mr.. Har-
rity was appointed twentv.six men, fifteen Re-
publicans. ten Democrats and ons muewump,
were appointed as sub-carriers. After Mr.. Har-
rity's confirmation twelve of the Republicans
were dropped and all OF the Democrats
tanned. many of them being made eventually
regular carriers. Witness also testified that
Democratic employees excused from the
postofice to attend primary elections. and in
consequences Republicans who could not get off
were ompelled To do double work.
Frank Z. Rankin, who had been nine years a
etter-carrer, and had been dismissed by Mr.
HArrity without cause. was examined. Witness
had heard Democrats say that money had been
stopped from their pay political assessments
This was under Mr. Harrity.
Albert Winemore was sworn. He had been q
letter carrier since 1878, AID discharged last
year without warning and for stated cause
He testified that Democratic employees of the
postofice had participated in local politics. and
he had heard them quarrelling in the letter
carriers department about the results of pri-
maries that they had participated in At such
times the letter-carriers' department was more
like bsr-room than anything else.
Similar testimony was given by other wit
nesses. when the committee adjourned till to-
morrow morning.