New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-08-02
Bradford read short sketches descriptive OF events IN
which the regiment figured, contributed by veterans OF
tho organization.
DEGRADLNG THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE ABUSES IN THE INDIANAPOLIS POST OFFICE
ExrosED-RAIs EATING NEGLECTED MAIL

BAGS.
indianapolis, Aug (specisD.-A supplemental re-
port relative Civil Service in the Indianapolis Post
Ofice has been submitted TO the Executive Committee
of the Indiana Clvtl Service Reform Association by
Lucus B. SIN th the leader Of the Independent move
ment in this State 1t reviews at length the DIS
mlssal Of faithful and efficient Republicans from ser
vice solely for the purpose Of making room for Demo
cratic workers. many OF whom Of unsavory rcputa
ton and have records in the criminal courts OF the
county. In the criminal class Mr.. Smith cites spe-
ciay the case Of Barney Conroy, three times con-
victed OF grand larceny and robbery appointed mall
agent at the Union Station TO succeed Republican
soldier who had held the position for seventeen years
John Il. Tompkns, who was charged with debauch-
Ing girl of fourteen years, and stiL was retained IN
the mail service after proof Of his guilt had been
produced in court and also the case OF Fred Har-
rfson a negro lawyer, charged with forgery, who had,
as attorney offered IN writing to sell out client for
s1O and had offered sell his service to the RepuO-
lican Campaign Committee for S25. The declaration
Of Postmaster Jones that he would not appoint Ro-
publcans the classified service matter how high
they stood on examination, is quoted, and Mr. Smith
adds
With the commencement OF his operations the ser
vice began deterlorate, and during all this time ths
city has had and has now, inefficient and unreliable
mail service, and the working efficiency OF the mall
service was never so badly wrecked as It Is to-day
Within six months mail has Ian undistrbuted In this
sacks
Tho difference between the men appointed by
Postmaster Jones and those previously employed is
radical. / distinctly make a few exceptions from
both bodies but in tho aggregate the former employees
we're tidy. These not Tho former had a good
bearing; these havc not. The former took pride In
their work and in the high grade of their Office these
care little but for payday and in some way to get the
mall off their hands. The former were extremely
careful; these are careless 10 evaporation The
former wero complete masters of the work OK the
office; these practically are The former were
thoroughly skilled; these unskillcd and have no
desire TO become skilled The former werc ruled by
the postmaster these act and feel Independent of the
postmaster The former were not offensive partl-
sans"; these petty politicians. This comparison
could be carried further and into matters more often
sve but IL IS sufficient say that If the merit sys-
tcrl imDartiay carried out. should produce sucn re-
suits the law would be better repealed.
Nearly all these facts have been brought before
the Administration. a course which II IS useless 10
pursue further. The Administration is not Gnln-
formed II has never been without an absolute ana
instantaneous remedy. It's studied indifference to
violations Of law Is the insolence OF Office, ad IL IS
alike Insulting Clvl Service reormers and TO tho
people OF Indiana