The morning call., 1894-08-31
MUTE AS CLANS.
Postoffice Clerks Cast
Down in Spirit.
THE PROPOSED REDUCTION.
Twenty-Seven Lose That Forty
Three May Gain.
MR.. McCOPPIN'S EXPLANATION.
Follows in His Predecessors Foot
steps-Three Women Who Will
Probably Be Removed.
MR.. McCoPPIN's EXPLANATION

The publication of the fact that Post
master McCoppin proposes to reduce the
salaries of many of his clerks aud increase
the compensation 1Ow received by others
produced a "fattering sensation" in the
minds of his subordinaies Mr.. McCoppin
did not conDive at the publication Of the
story that has troubled his faithful helpers.
and would gladly have postponed it until
a more convenient time, probably until
the authorities at Washington had ap-
proved his action. But now that the
thing has been done he is bracing himself
-meDtally-for the inevitable conflict with
the friends and hackers Of the clerks that
he proposes Ia 3ff1ct.
The backe rs md friends began to appear
yesterday ana each of them had many
good reasons to offer why the particular
clerk that enjoyed his favor should not
suffer reduction. The Postmaster heard
them calmly and will hear others to-day,
but as he has not published the names of
the clerks who are to be reduced and as
the list has been sent TO Washington he
gave the suppliants little satisfaction.
The clerks were wisely mute when asked
for an opinion on the disturbing subject.
1t was n OF for them to discuss the conduct
of their superior. Perhaps they would
have something to say later on. 1t was
apparent, however, that they had dis
cussed the charges among themselves, for
they knew that they could gain nothing by
appealing to Washington. The civil ser
vice rules restrained the Postmaster from
dIsmissiny them without cause. but per-
mitted him to recommend changes in
al off
fearless clerk who boldly declared that he
was glad McCopDin was going TO make
changes. "Pve been doing a S14O0 job for
$780," he declared, land the sooner he
turns me around the better"
1.-THE facts of the matter are" said the
Postmaster yesterday, that the depart
ment at Washington called upon me the
first week after took the office to prepare
a roster of the clerks. One had been sent
by Postmaster Backus just before his term
expired. but it was disapprOved. | don't
think that was meant as a reflection on
Mr.. Backus. but that they thought it
would be- better to have the roster from
the new Postmaster.
Then having to face the question. l
called upon the heads of divisions for re-
ports giving the names. duties and salaries
of the employees in their respective posi-
tions. They were also requested to rate
the efficiency of the clerks, as first, second
or third class. They were subsequently
required to express in figures the compen-
sation that these people ought to be paid,
keeping within the limits prescribed by
law.
THE Postmaster reserved to himself the
right to review and change these figures,
and he did review and change them. In
some cases, where the cut was deep, |
made IL much lighter.
There were derated or reduced 90 OF
the 191 clerks subject to these vicissitudes.
and the amount of S45C0 taken from them
was divided among 43 people of superior
ability. both male and female
1t is probs BILE that three women now
employed in the Postoffice will soon fed
themselves in the cheerless world outside.
'They were irregularly employed by Mr..
Backus." said the Postmaster, "and the
Civil Service Commission recommends
their removal. but Mr.. Backus retained
them in spite Of the commission. They
will probably go now, and their places
will be given 20 those who stand highest
on the civil service list.
The three names who stand highest on
the list are: Matte Fitzgerald. 623 Golden
Gate avenue, average 955; Bette Joost
227 CaDp street, average 94.3S, and Laura
w. Collins, 508 Capp street. average q3. az