Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1891-10-01
AGAIN THE RAUMS.
FATHER AND SON NUNPLEASANTLY BE-
FORE THE PUBLIC.
Charges and DeniaIs Of Corrupt Action
on the Part of Raum, Jr.-Counter
Charges.
fBy telegraph 10 the Dispatch.l


WARRINGTON, September S0.-For some
DAYS past a story has been in circulation
here that Green B. Raum. Jr.. the son of
the Commissioner of Pensions. whose re-
signation as assistant chief clerk in tho
PENSION Bureau was demanded some
months ago by Secretary Noble because of
certain alleged irregularities in connec-
ton with his Office. still retained sufficient
influence IN the bureau TO secure promo
tons OF his friends who would reciprocate
by loaning him money. These allegations.
y IS sad. have been supported by two afii-
davits, which have been filed with Secrc-
tary Noble. and the facts having come to
the knowledge of General Raun he has
decided TO bring the whole matter to al
issue. He has demanded the dismissal Of
three prominent employees in his Office,
VINO. he believes, are plotting to lnJure
his character and compel his retirement
from the position OF Commissioner
These men are J. Edgar Engle, of Pennsyl-
vanla, II 900 clerk: +. NJ. Taylor. OF Hi
nois, special examiner. and Edward
Howard, of Connecticut.
RAUM's DEFENCE.
General Raum in his letter to the Secre-
tary gives 1t IL stated. an account of the
efforts made by the persons named by him
to bring him into disreputc. lie maintains
that their influence IN Office is demOralizing
IN the extreme. While General Raum. in
his review of their conduct refers to
events which took place some time ago,
yet it Is understood that one of the imme-
date causes of his action, in the case OF
Engle and Howard at least, il the atfidavits
recently filed with Secretary Noble.
charging young Mr.. Raum with attempt
Ing TO obtain money from them in con
sderation of his influence with ms father
III securing their promotion. Eaum re-
CARDS these reports "a II base attempt TO
iniure him through his son. Young Mr..
Rsum has made an affidavit. which he has
sent to the Secretary. denying the state
mcDts Of Engle and Howard He states
that the attempt to carry on an Office
brokerage business Is prepostcrOus, and
that his entire energies are devoted TO
establishing himself III business. His
father charactcrizes the allegations that
his son, either while assistant chief clerk
or later. Influenced promotions or appoint
ments in favor OF his friends As entirely
without foundation In fact,
YOUNG RAUM MAKES STATEMENT.
1t is underst ood that young Mr.. Raum
has prepared q statement covering the en-
tire period OF his connection with the
Pension Office, and that he has obtained
letters from the heads of division of the
Office exonerating him from the imputa-
ton that he has in any sense acted cor
ruptlv. This statement has been sent 10
the President, with a review OF the entire
case. General Raum believes that the
charge made against his son Is not only
untrue but cruel, as the evident intention
Is 10 strike down the father through the
son. He SAID TODAY in speaking Of the
matter that he WAS told when he entered
the Pension Office rs Commissioner that
there wero number Of eInploycs who
ought 10 be removed for the reason that
heretofore they had been constantly
causing trouble and interfering with the
proper administration of the Office. From
his past experience he was aware that this
was more or less true of every Goverl-
ment bureau. He concluded to try to
Conduct the public business in spite OF
the presence OF men who were by nature
and association maicontents.
CONSPIRACY.
He found. however. that men from his
own Office were following him and spying
upon his actions and that there was con-
spiracv TO get him out of Office. lie had
concluded that the time for forbearance
was ended and that the interests OF tho
public service demanded tina. the activity
Of such men should end. 50 far. at least, as
their connection with his Office was con-
cerned.
General RaUm said that he was always
ready and willing 10 meet any criticism
upon his administration OF ms Office. lie
WAS not afraid Ot his record at any time
since he had been Commissioner, but ho
believed III far methods even in Il fight.
lie did not propose to be driven out of
office. and said that the men VINO seemed
mos, 10 desire his retirement had adopted
a policy which was most likely to defeat
their object.
General Raum further said that he Is
rratitloi to be able to say that he has never
heard Il word ot disparagcment of himself
coming from Secretary Noble OF the Presl-
dent