The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-01-30
OF THE
They Want General Corse, a Democrat,
Retained as Postmaster at Boston,
And Have Induced Senator Hoar to Take Sides
with ~Them-Indian Chiefs at the Capital
Quay Will Not Answer Certain Charges.
WANT CORsE RETAINED.

Mugwumps Are Making q Fight Against .
Change Of Postmasters at Boston.
Special TO the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON, Jan. GA contest over the
civil-service reform principle is about to
ment of a postmaster at Boston, which will
undoubtedly attract national attention. It
involves the question of whether the civil
service principle is better promoted by re-
tanning an officer In a position, overlooking
his political affliation, or in the promotion
of an officer in recognition of his long serv-
ice and merits. Gen. John Nj. Corse, who
was with Sherman in his march TO the
sea, n who t~elegraphed to "Old Tecump"
from Allatoona, Ca. that he would hold
the fort, and from which suggestion
the celebrated revival song. Hold the fort
for l am coming" was written. is at pres
emit postmaster of Boston. He was ap-
pointed by President Cleveland. His ad-
ministration under the recent Democratic
regime was not satisfactory. but Postmas-
ter general Wanamaker having supplied
him with all the necessary requirements
during the past two years, he has made q
good officer. General Corse was appointed
because he had for many years been chair
man of the Massachusetts Democratic
State central committee, and was intensely
partisan. Alarge element of business men.
mugwumDs, and civil-service reformers, es-
pecially the latter two classes, have poured
In to Senator Hoar and theiPostofice De-
partment an avalanche of petitions for the
reappointment of General Corse on Feb. 26,
and Senate Hoar, in the interest of. civil
service reform, has recommended the re-
appointments. The Republicans Of Massa-
chusetts have recommended the appoint
ment of Henry A.. Thomas. a brilliant young
years been superintendent of the mails at
Boston, and given the highest satisfaction.
They contend that it would be more in the
line of civil-service reform to
promote Thomas on his merits
than it would be to reappoint
to be determined by the President. and it
has excited so much interest in the original
mugwump State that it will undoubtedly
attract attention throughout the country
when terminated.
COMMISSIONS Roosevelt, and Superin-
tendent Porter, of the Census Bureau. were
In attendance at the morning meeting of
the house committee on reform in the civil
service. Mr.. Porter had made some state
ments at q previous meeting which Mr..
upon the Civil. service Commission's meth
DDS. Mr.. Roosevelt criticised the merit
system of examinations practiced by Mr..
Porter. and said his [Mr. Porter'sl plan
wac nearly, but not quite as bad as the old
spoils system, and was based. in q large
measure, upon political influence. Mr..
Roosevelt said that he had never made an
attack on any department.. Bat" said he,
IF any department, from that of the Post
master generals to Mr.. Porter's. makes an
attack upon the commission, / am always
ready He suggested that the law should
be amended so as to prohibit any appoint
ing officer from appointing, promoting or
Diminishing any one for political reasons.