Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-11-19
T H e FIGHT is ON
East Washington Declares War on Post
master Wiuett.
All Over the Appointment Of Mr.. Dove
to the Local StatlOn-TO OPP
pose Confirmation.

The war over the appointment of Mr..
VIM. NJ. Dove to the East Washington
post Office has not been settled yet, and
promises to be a long-standing affair, and
to take up some attention. at any rate, in
Congress next session. Mr.. Dove, 1t will
be remembered, was appointed a few days
ago to the East Washington station by Mr..
Willett, and Immediately a long and loud
cry went up from the citizens of East
Washington on the plea that home rule
was being violated They claimed that an
East Washington man had always had
charge of the home station. and that this
plan should he continued. Mr.. Dove, they
allowed, might be good man. but he
came from the West End, and they did
not want him. Today Mr. NJ. l. Weller of
East Washington went to the post office
and had an interview with the new post
master and In behalf of the East Wash
ington Citizens Association entered a for
NAL protest against Mr.. Doves appoint
ment. Mr.. Willett. it is understood, an
nounced that the appointment would
stand. and now the question arises as to
what will be the next move. 1t Is init
mated that the affair will form the ground
work for fight on Mr.. Willetts cOntirma-
ton by the Senate. 1t is also stated that
alleged methods pursued in dispensing local
patronage be investigated by a congress
sional committee.
Alleged NepOtism.
Mr.. Weller has been the head and front of
the fight so far. Today he said to a Star
reporter: This matter will not be allowed
to drop. 1t will be taken to the President
and, failing Of relief there, it will be taken
to Congress. The East Washington Citi-
Zens Association has no one to suggest for
the head of the local station, but 1t does
mean to see an East Washington man, If
possible, receive the appointment. East
Washington has 75,0 600 inhabitants,an sure
ly among that number one man could be
found with ability to manage the office. The
matter will come up before the association
at its next meeting, and l have no doubt
that it will be decided to fight Mr.. Willetrs
confirmation before the Senate, and that
also a demand will be made that Congress
investigate the conditions under which
District patronage Is now distributed. We
object to Mr.. Doves appointment not only
on the home rule principle, but also because
II is striking illustration OF the nepotism
existing in local offices. We shall ask that
matter Of why District appointment can
not be obtained unless the applicant Las
the influence Of Mr.. A. A. Wilson, now
marshal Of the District, and why 1t Is that
before any applicant can secure Mr. VIII
sons influence he must pledge himself to
appoint certain members Of the marshals
own family to subordinate places. We are
in a position to show that Mr.. Dove. who
is relative of Marshal Wilson, was prac-
tically given the East Washington .,tation
before Mr.. Wilson would back Mr.. Willett
for the postmastership. We will also show
that this Is only one Of many cases of fam
fly appointments being given to the District
marshal in return for his good offices In
obtaining local positions"
Mr.. Willett, when questioned about the
matter today. said he had nothing to say
for publication.