Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-11-12
ASKED TO STEP OUT.
Removal of Superintendent of Nails
Collins Expected To-Day.
CAUSES FOR A LOOKED FOR CHANGE
His Narrow Escape From Retirement More
Than Six Weeks Ago.
WHAT LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE TO SAL

Early last evening rumor was afoat that
Stephen Collins, Superintendent OF Mails
at the Pittsburg postofice, had been re-
moved. The staff correspondent of THE
DISPATCH, at Washington, was accord
ingly asked to ascertain the truth of the
matter. and the following telegram from
Washington was received last night:
A rumor that Stephen Collins Superin-
tendent of Mails at the Pittsburg pcstofice,
had been removed on account of the part he
played in sending out circulars of a partisan
political character to members OF an order in
which he was an official, could not be confirmed
to-day. Mr.. Wanamaker is out of the city en-
gagged In defending himself against the
affectionate embraces of Jay Gould, and his
subordinates would not state how far the
effort to remove Mr.. Collins had progressed.
1t was admitted that vigorous attempt was
making to accomplish the removal, but at least
one official OF the department was free to say
that he did not see how the act of which the
Superintendent is accused could be made the
basis OF his removal, as the department could
not prohibit member of an order from send
ing any sort of missives he chose TO other
members of his order.
The officials of the Pittsburg postofice
were surprised when they learned that the
news had leaked out, but when questioned one
of them said:
Yes. such may probably be the case. 1
know that the department has been investigat-
ing his case. do not know just what part Mr..
Collins conduct in regard to the Jr. U. U. A. NJ.
circulars has played in this trouble. do know
the department looked with disfavor upon his
actions. have been led to understand his re-
moyal was thing To be expected, and we will
probably be officially notified of the action of
the department tomorrow afternoon.
"About six weeks ago Mr.. Collins removal
was threatened, account of his personal
habits. Postal Inspector Campbell LETT here
then. with the intention of having Mr.. Collins
removed but the matter was smoOthed over by
Superintendent Collins promising to completely
reform. Then came the Jr. o. U. A. NJ. affair
Complaints from outside parties were sent to
the department, one asking for his dismissal
on account of intimacy with 4 well-known
young local elocutionist.
"Mr. Collins is a thoroughly competent man
In postal matters. but the department has ap-
parently taken exception to either his recent
actions or his personal habits. The Office of
superintendent of mails in Pittsburg pays
s2OOO year, and the duties are not by any
means onerous"
e. g. Wagner, the present Assistant Super
intendent of Mails. is already talked of
as Mr.. Collins probable successor. Mr..
wagner has held the position he now
occupies for several years, and is
thoroughly conversanJ with every department.
of the work. He is now in charge of Mr.. Col
Inns office during the latter's absence. His
practical experience especially fits him for pro-
motion, and his elevation to the office of super
intendent, it Is thought would be but a simple
recognition Of competency and ability.