The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-09-29

language, as nearly as / can remember them,
and he spoke them bat half an hour ago:
"a few days before the date Of this circular
was called to the Office Of the Secretary OF War.
Mr. Endicott stated to me that he had received
many urgent requests from very prominent
Dsmocrats-ons especially prominent and
known throughout the counrry-to have Repub-
licans employed in the arsenas throughout the
country dismissed, and Democrats appointed in
their places. The Secretary said he did not
want TO turn tho service into a political ma
chine, but that something would have to be
done to bring about different condition of az
fairs in the ordnance department. He said
that he would like to have Democrats appointed
wherever Republicans were dismissed, and that
the filing Of positions occupied by women and
children should be recognized Ia the same po-
litical degree IS those filed by men. replied
to Mr.. Endicort that would fix the matter, and
Immediately wrote this circular and sent it to
Secretary Endicott for inspection. The Secre-
tary approved of It. and had manifold copies
made and sent TO all Of the commanders OF the
arsenals In three Or four instances the COM
Inanding officers wrote official private letters
TO mel forget which-stating that they had
made careful cauvasses Of their employees. and
they found that the majority Of them were DEM
ocrats, and that IL the object of my circular was
to equalize between the two parties the posi-
tions. there could be no equalization in favor Of
the Democrats party. So, you viii see, this
circular. If the spirit of it as we'll as the letter,
vas observed the only effect would be in the
employment, and not tho discharge of en-
ployes."
General Benet said all have quoted
above, and much more in the same direction.
He seemed exceedingly anxious that the whole
matter should be explained away. Now, on yes
isrdsy, before fully concluded to 20 directly to
General Bsnet with this matter and take the
short cut with it, went to Senator Chandler
and showed it to him, stating that thought I
would take it to General Benet, and asked him
what he thought of the circular, and my idea OF
going directly to the officer who was said to have
issued it. Senator Chandler was astounded that
such circular should have been issued, and as
quickly IS he read 1t said that It was q forgery;
thst General Benet or any officer in the War
Department. had too much sense to send out
such circular. even under the seal of confidence.
He then called up Senator hale, who is chair
man of the COMMITTEES investigating infringe
a-snts of the civil-service law. and Senator hale
made the same exclamation. They were unani
nous in the conclusion that the circular was
forgery. They stated to me. however, that
might use their names in procuring any infor
nation on the subject, and that II 1t should de-
vslop that the circular Was genuine they would
institute q searching and vigorous investigation
In talking to General Benet l told him thai
Senator Chandler wanted TO know about thi,
circular. and this is why General Benet spoke
SO frankly and so fully to me-"
The geuuineness of the circular, which, il
viii be observed. was doubted by Senators
Chandler and Hale, as it had been by ths
Journal, was fully settled by the admission o.
General Benet, aud the original letter. witt
circular inclosed. was Immediately returned
to the Journal The Journal correspondent
| at Washington has been authorized to plac,
ali the facts in the case. with copy of tht
| 5..r Gsr. in the hands of Senator Chandler
an-,it IS probable sensational investigation
will follow. Meanwhile the statement now
lad before the public is so condemnatory OF
its face as to leave no doubt that the case, il
all its length and breadth, furnishes the mos
convincing proof yet recorded Of the prostitu
ton Of the public service and the hypocritica
civil-seryice reform professions of the admin
istration.