Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-07-18
HOW THE LAW WAS EVADED.
The Civil Service Commission Severe on
the Postmaster at Milwaukee,

The civil service commission have made pub
lie the report which they have been preparing
for some time Of the investigation made by
them into the operation Of the civil service law
In Milwaukee. A report on the Milwaukee
post Office was made some time ago. 1t was
brief, and the commissioners say they were in
huenced in making it by the false statement of
the postmaster to the effect that his term Of
Office had expired. The report now made pub
lie says that the examination of the post Office
was made by the entire commission, and the
conclusions reached were agreed to unani-
mously. The recently published statement of
the Milwaukee postmaster to the effect thakhe
was not given hearing is condemned by the
commission as gross misstatement THAT
there has been crooked work in the Office"
says the report, sis admitted by all; il can be
shown to exist by brief examination of the
analytical statement compiled from the certif-
cation book and Of the pencil memoranda from
which the certiications were actually made.
The only question is
WHERE THE RESPONSIBILITY LIES,
The commission examined the secretary of
the board at Milwaukee, Hamilton Shidy and
the chairman, ]. B. johnson. Shidy did all
the work OF the board. He testified that he
was compelled by the postmaster to give the
that he forced him (Shidy) to alter the books so
as to produce certification bearing the name
OF the appointee chosen by him. Johnson's tes-
timony, though hearsay, confirmed that of
Shldy. The postmaster denied these state
ments. johnson, the report says, evidently
inquiries as to the truth of Shidys statements
to him. The commission holds, however, that
Shldy and johnson are equally to blame II,
however, the statement of Shidy to the effect
that he was forced to accede to the postmaster
demands for fear Of losing his means OF sub
slstence Is true an infinitely heavier load of
blame rests on the postmaster.
swINDLINa cERrIFICAT1oNs.
After giving several instances of alleged Off
cial misconduct the report says: 'sIn short. the
official records show beyond possibility of dis
pute that the lists of eligibles were twisted and
garbled In almost every conceivable manner in
order TO produce swindiing certifcations
whereby certain men could be rejected. al
though entitled to appointment, and other men
appointed, although having no rightful claim
; 10 the Gns1ce: For Mr. Paul to plead
Mr.. Paul alone benefited by the crookedness
OF the certlfcations. for he alone had the ap-
pointing power. There could be no possible
object in Shidy's conduct unless it was fear Of
thwarting the wishes of his superior officers.
The conclusion is irresistible that Mr. Paul is
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WRONG DOING.
He has grossly and habitually violated the law
and has done it in a peculiarly revolving and
underhand manner. His conduct merits the
severest punishment. His further continuance
In the office would be Q great misfortune, and
we recommend his immediate removal"
As for Shidy, the commission think he was
guilty OF grave misconduct in permitting the
board to become the tool Of Mr.. Paul, but what
he did he did under fear of losing his place if
he rebelled. In conclusion the commission
say the whole history of the case emphasizes in
the most striking manner the urgent need of
having at least some members of every local
board entirely removed from the influence or
dictation of the appointing officer. Provision
should be made SO at least some salaried men,
Der could be added to every local board from
outside sources, SO that it should contain mem
bers removed beyond the possibility Of inhu-
ence from'the appointing officers