The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-05-15
DONHAM BACKING DOWN.

He Talks To Foulke and Swift, and Then Or.
ders the Old Carriers ON Duty.
Special TO the Indianapolis Journa'.
TERRE HAuTE. Ind. May 1.-The new
postmaster and his counselors changed
their tune this evening There Ia every
indication that they have received posi-
tive instructions from Washington to
right about face" William ID. Foulke
and Lucius b. Swift called on Postmaster
Donham. at the postotfice. this afternoon.
and stated 10 him that they desired TO make
report of the facts connected with the pres
ent postoffce matter to the President and
Postmaster general, and felt that before
doing so it was but fair to come and have a
talk with him. Donhsm replied that he
was ready to talk with them.
Mr.. Swift said that there had been what
was called clean sweep. and they should
like to know upon what ground he based
his action.
Mr. Donham answered that it was from
his Interpretation of the law; that he did
not think that the law had gone into effect
In this Office. and that he felt that he had
the right to make these removals.
Mr.. Swift then asked him how he viewed
the matter in connection with President
Cleveland's well-kn0wn views. Mr. Don
ham said that he could not talk as TO that.
Mr. Foulke then said that the regulations
forbade any postmaster to remove carriers.
and asked him how he could dismiss
carriers under that rule. Mr.. Swift said he
had seen written notices of dismissal from
the United States service.
Mr.. Donham answered that that was
mere formality. and that he had done
every thing subject to approval at WASH
ington.
Mr. Foulke said: "You had introduced
some of these men to their successors and
had told them that they were dismissed"
MIR. Donham repeated his statement that
every thing was done subject TO approval.
Mr.. Swift then asked X they were to
understand that every old employe was to
be kept In his place.
M Donham SAID; Yes, except two-the
regist or clerk and the money order clerk"
These he considered as excepted employees
and that he had right to remove them.
Mr.. Foulke asked him If the men removed
had been guilty of any misconduct.
Mr. Donham said that he made the charge
of general insubordination; that when he
came in TO take possession he met with re-
sistance.
Mr.. Fouike asked if the Postmaster gen.
eral was not equally guilty of insubordi-
nation In not letting him have possession.
Mr.. DOnham answered that he did not
know but he was.
Mr.. Foulke then asked as to the quall-
ficatioDs of the appolntees; as TO whether
| they n6u DaO experience IN the business.
Mr.. Donham said two of them had.
Mr.. Foulke asked why be was in such
hurry to get possession.
To this MIR. Donham replied that it was
on account of the civil-servIce law; that
the opinion of the Attorney general held
that 1t did not take effect until after the
examination: that he thought If he had pos
session before the examination he would
have a right to make these changes.
Asked II he bad worked with the ap-
pointees politically, Mr.. Donham said that
he had.
Mr.. Swift suggested that the postmaster
did not think much of the civil-service la w;
and Mr.. Donham SAID that he did not; that
ne wanted to avoid the effect OF the Law,
but not to defy il.
Mr.. DOMAINS statement is looked upon
by the civil-service reformers as far from
extricating the postmaster from his predica
ment. At least he is violating the regula-
tions by permitting outsiders to accompany
the carriers and have free to the
mailing department of the Office. The writ
ten notice OF dismissal sent to the carriers
Friday night was as follows:
You are hereby notified that you are removed
from the position OF letter carrier of the United
States postoiice at Terre Haute, Ind. and that
your services as such are hereby discontinued.
A. ii. DOMAIN, Postmaster.
The carriers to-day signed statements
that not only did they receive this notice
but that on Saturday morning. when they
reported for duty, they were denied admit
tance to the Office and had to slip IN by the
cellar way. One carrier says Bropby caught
hold of him and tried to eject him. 1t is un-
derstood to be the opinion of the civil-sery-
ice reformers that Mr.. Donham will be re-
moved. their only doubt arising from the
influence Senator Voorhees, may exert with
Mr.. Cleveland. MIR. Donham this evening
sent word to all the old men to continue
on duty.