The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-10-01
CHAIRMAN BRICE.
He VIII Make an Attempt to Levy COntribu-
tioas from Government Employees.
snaclal To tho Indianapolis Journal

He VIII Make an Attempt to Levy COntribu-
tioas from Government Employees.
Special to tho IndianaDolis Journal
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30.-Chairman Calvin s.
Bsice is to try his hand at assessing the en-
ployes of the executive departments here Sew
ersl times the authorized agents OF the Dem
ocratie national committee have sent verbal
and printed hints TO clerks in the departments to
the effect that contributions to the campaign
fund could be left at certain places. A number
of times collectors have gone through the de-
partments and IN an informal way have stated
20 the Democratic clerks that anything they
might want TO contribute toward the success OF
the campaign in financial way would be re-
ceived and forwarded. All OF the intimations
and solicitations have proved OF less substantial
results than Chairman Brice. Mr. Barnum, Sen
ator Gornon and others deemed worthy of the
cause. and lists OF employees in the va
rious executive departments are being
made up and will be sent to the headquarters
of ths2national committee in New York, where
IL Ia stated solicitations Of more positive char
actsr thanthaye yes been made.wil be given ont.
1t will be very uncomfortable for those who re-
fuse to come'down with the cash in this time of
emergency. The original request for list OF
the employees was made to the Commissioners OF
Pensions first, and then it was extended - other
branches of the government.
Some rather remarkable incidents occur in the
departments nowadays in connection with the
solicitation xnd collection of campaign contribu-
tions. A Treasury clerk tells me OF one in
volvip himself, which he says undoubtedly illus
trates the experience OF many elorks. IL have
been assessed three times, says he, during this
campaign, and have not responded to q singls
one. believe 10 campaign assessments, and
am body and soul opposed to that element ia the
civil-serv.ce law which prohibits voluntary cam.
paisn contrioutious. 1 DO not think IL the
proper thing 10 insist upon contributions, or 10
press men III the geosral service 10 give
money when they do not want to. Three times
/ received personal or circular solicitation, and
not responding, my chief came 20 me yesterday
aud inquired whether or not wanted to Assist
the national campaign. l replied in the mega
tive, at the same time suggesting that it ought
10 be known that was ot in favor OF the cleo
ton of President Cleveland because did not
believe he deserved the presidency; that was
old soldier myself, aad when II came TO Sc
lss:lng achset magistrate hetweon n msn whn
iired q SUOstitCte nj lraG tyb en- - tho
front and fought, that could not help choOsin :
the soldier.
Bat yol are = DemocratP induised my chief
'"Yes, replied. Il Democrat, and ~as
appointed to the position | now occupy as a
Democrat; but ] am within the civil-service law,
subject TO the rules aud regulations Of the Civil
service Com mission. aud according 20 the reen-
.gtieus set down ny the President 1 cannot te
either assessed, expected to make con .sibutions.
or removed II sm not pernciously partisan.
The chief went away and reported me TO the
Secretary. Or course. / am not afraid OF being
removed. am simply the books for dis
favor, and in the event this administration
should be continued / will not expect TO receive
promotion, and will anticipate a hard lot dur
ing the rest OF my Official lIfs.'