The morning call., 1893-09-14
They Were Often Signed,
but Seldom Paid.
INSPECTOR BATE ARRIVES
An Investigation Into the Eccentric.
tiles of the Local Weather
Prophet Being Made.

b
ton in Washington.
Somewhat to the surprise of the assist
ants in the office. Major a. e. Bate, in-
spectOr of the bureau, sauntered into the
rooms on the tenth floor of the Mills build
ing early yesterday morning. BE was at
Helena. Mont, last Friday when he re-
ceived telegram from Washington direct
ing him to proceed here at once and in
vestigate the affairs of the San Francisco
office.
In my rounds as inspector [ should
have reached this city in three or four
weeks" said Major Bate. ''and any
dereliction on the part of Mr.. Jenkins or
any of his assistants would certainly have
come 10 light. The reason for my presence
here earlier than the prescribed programme
was the complaint sent to the bureau in
Washington by Mr. Gray reporting that
Mr.. Jenkins was negiecting his duties and
was absent from the office. AS chic clerk
Mr.. Gray should have taken such a step
earlier, but his loyalty to his superior, who
was his friend. induced him to shield Mr..
Jenkins from criticism.
"At last fOrbearance ceased to be a vir-
tue and last Friday GRAY telegraphed for
instructions regarding the disposal of the
office correspondence. In consequence
jenkins IS SUSPENDED and GRAY is In
Chief Harrington, based from the report
of my Investigation. So far | have ex-
amlned only part of the Office records, all
of which are IN excellent condition.
Il must confess my astOniShment and
surprise at Mr. jenkins conduct here. He
has been fifteen years in the service and
has a good record. He stands we'll in
Was hingtOn and has always been popular
wherever he has been stationed. 1t is pri-
mary requirement of the department that
the work of all the officials shall be up to
the mark in every respect. All Of the
officers are expected 10 so regulate their
private affairs that no reflection can be cast
upon the service through their actions or
reputation.
"All forecast officials are expected to
mix with members of the Merchants Sx-
change. Board of Trade. Produce Exchange
and other Business mems organizations to
learn the requirements of merchants, farm
ers and shi p.owners and TO popularize the
department. Social eDjOyments are not
prohibited, and even an occasional visit to
a TacecOurse would not be considered q
heinOuS Offense.
But continual running about with sport
ing classes Is deemed very reprehensible.
and any carelessness about money mat
ters, unpaid bills or other debts will not
be tolerated in an officer. | will be here
for ten days. During that time. besides
thoroughly examining the Office records l
shall talk With as many cItlZens as posi-
Bile and learn Nj. Jenkins reputation for
morality, sobriety and general conduct. /
shall then send a report of all l see and
hear to Washington and official action will
follow.
Il want to say, however. that you will
have ilrst-class man in San Francisco.
This is an important station and the de-
par;ment is alive to your requirements.
Any complaints of misconduct on the part
of an official will receive prompt and c0ur-
teOUs attention at Washington, and If resi-
dents have suggestions to make for the
Improvement of the service, such hints
will always be considered"
When Mr.. Jenkins learned that Major
Bate was a the Office. he ass s. ed the in
spectlng officer in his Office Investigations
In regard TO the various charges in circu-
lation concerning Jenkins, the major
asked some leading questions. The two
were closeted together for an hour, which
was hardly good one for the suspended
official. At the conclusion of this little
conference Mr.. Jenkins left the office, and
readily assenied TO make statement for
publication. His appearance was jaunty
S usual, and whatever his anxielies, he
preserved an unrutfied exterior.
Don't imagine that | am making any
com plant about the way | was written up
in The CALL this morning" he began, in
genial tones, but the statement that my
suspension emanated from various CON-
plants sent to the Chief of the Weather
Bureau is inexact. My temporary retire.
ment is the result of telegram sent TO
Chief Harrington by my chief clerk,
James j. Gray, stating that my where
abouts was unknown. AS matter of
fact. had notified Mr.. Gray that would
be absent over the legal holiday and Sun
day. This, in addition to my standing In
structions, was sufficient for the perform
aDce of all the regular duties. His COM
nf tall oil
sch Oolboy and was un warranted.
In spite OF his sinister action / am con-
fident tnat the present Investigation of
Major Bate into the affairs of the local
weather office. and the subsequent decision
of Chief Harrington. will result in my
Yindication.
80 far as my absence from the office Is
concerned, the records will show that from
December l, when | commenced work
here, until the latter part of August, | was
absent only six days. Every officer in the
service is allowed thirty days leave every
year, so that lii ten months | took only
one-tifth OF the holidays to which / was
entitled.
The office has never been better con-
Quoted than now, although the force Of
assistants Is now at the minimum. have
reduced the staff from seven 10 five during
my service here. saving over $1,000 annu-
ally tothe department. II has always been
my policy TO treat my subOrdinates with
courtesy and consideration. This was in
marked contrast to the conduct of my pre-
decess0r, Lieutenant Finley. who harassec
hts clerks TO such an extent that official
complaints were made of his exactions and
harshness TO the department.
ut strikes me that, as | shortened the
hours OF the clerks and in every way be-
friended them, an effort to injure me by
complaining of me behind my bar k is the
height OF ingratitude. and that, you know,
Is Barrie's conception of the unpardonab BILE
sin. SO far as my private affairs are con-
cerned. l consider that | am able to man
age Them unaided. and that the public is
in no way interested in my actions outside
of my office"
Later in The day Mrs. Jenkins spoke of
her husbands absence. She avowed her
perfect faith and confidence 10 him. and
seemed only concerned for his health aud
| com Ort. >
| 'Mr. jenkins has been much worried
| about his financial matters recently" she
! said. "and he took few days run In the
country to rest and recuperate. He came