New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-10-22
Short. pithy advertisements like those on the fourth
prove OF great service to those who examine them.
NO POSTOFFTCE ASSESSMENTS.
POSTMASTER VAN CoTT REPLIES TO POLITICAL
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POSTMASTER VAN COTT REPLIES TO POLITIOAL
CHARGEs-MAKING AN INvESTIG ALTON.
Postmaster Van Colt has been annoyed by reports
which have appeared. especially in "The New-IorI
World Of the display Of alleged lists of employees
In the PostOnco branch stations and the collection Of
money from the clerks and carriers for political pur-
poses Letter, have also been published as having
come from carriers. saying that they were expected
TO contribute money The letters bore only initials
as signatures.
Mr. Van colt has been scTipuously careful to obey
not only the letter but the spirit of the laws pro
blbltng assessments on oliccholders for pocE pur-
POSES a1d no attempt to eyadc the law has been
made or allowed I'm the office. TO obtain an answer
70 the anonymous charges Mr.. Van Colt caused ccu-
lar letter Of inquiry 10 be sent to the superintendent;
OF all tho branch postoilccs in the city. Mr. Van
Cott wrote 10 each superintendent:
Referring 10 certain statements that have recently ap
poarcl in Tho Word7 newspaper, and to letters pub
shci therein. purp0rng to have been written by etter
arrcss-whlch statements and letters charge that "ss'
have been displayed the branch postoncc stations Of
Office notifying carriers and clerks that they are eN
pectcd required contribute money for political
purposes have request that Immediately on receipt
Of this communication you will return the same with your
written below 10 the following questions;
I. Has any such "ls'," paper Of any such de-
scripton been displayed circulated in your branch
object
. II 50. by whom and by whose authority or request
was 10 so displayed or circulated?
g. Tas any carrier clerk reported or complained 10
you that he is will be expected or required TO con-
tribute money FOR political purposes7
Replies were received from all OF the superih-
tendentS and were all TO the effect that no sucF H'l
had been displayed or circulated and no such report
complaint received from any carrier or cl'rl"
Mr. Van Cot says he is at loss to understand
how such reports could have originated as he has
neither taken nor had suggested To him any artoh
Whatever i'm the direction Of a,ung or requiring from
i suhordinate any contribution vhatcver FOR political
purposes. lie is familiar with tine statute oiJddins
aud furnishing any such action. and not only would
withhold li> authority or consent from an attempt OF
any ~ his sulorlln1t's to engage IN any such loauou
u law. but would u-e his best efforts ~ bring 10
iusf CO 2ny person, Who .h0Iid nc 'on'"rnrl IN IT,
on' o. The letters published I'm The World. ana
purporinc to cmaudtc from letter carriers
was signed 81 j. W. and this iac'
coming 10 the notice Of Francis J. Woods.
q lcitercarrIer land the only one I'm the service
whose initial, correspond - hose signed 10 me r'!er
Zoo question:. b" voluntarily called 81 he l",tHld,'c.
and made affidavit hlt he dd not wite me leuer ,or
cause H. t. be written, and thar he never t'N, w.,
heard Of any such LIST as that which % + dec 81
displayed al the branches Of the Ncw-Iork Fo'V
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