The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1896-03-25

Marshall Field e. Co.'s Supply Has
Been I'm Evanston.

Chicago Post.
Curious complications have arisen in the
affairs of the Evanston postoffice, which
will result in Postmaster d. p. O'Leary's
losing a recent increase Of $500 in his annual
salary, even if he does not lose his job.
This increase was based upon an abnormal
increase in the business of that Office. In
one brief season the receipts jumped from
$4,000 to SO. 400. without any apparent in
ages mailed. AS the salary of the post
master at Evanston is based to a great
extent upon his receipts, the increase that
pulled up the Evanston postoffice added
to the salary of Postmaster OLeary and
gave the Evanston Office four more clerks.
Now the imitation of the office has col
lapsed. 1t was Jalindue to Marshall Field
& Co. buying their postage stamps from
the Evanston office and mailing their let
tiers and packages through the Chicago
office. giving Evanston the money and Chi
cage the work. 90
It was not that any members of the firm
OF Marshall Field & Co. had "a grudge
the members of the firm knew that the
stamps being used came from the little
city 10 the north of Chicago until two
weeks ago. 1t was the act. of a clerk in
the cashiers office of the big business house.
He resented the refusal Of cashier Green.
of the Chicago postofice, to accept the
without the certifcatfon of a bank thereon.
1t was a year and a half ago that the
clerk made the tender of the check to
cashier Green. His feelings were hurt at
the thought that any mental of the gov
| eminent would refuse to accept the check
of the firm for which he worked. Mr.. Green
said he would not violate the rule for any
one and said he meant no reflection on the
great business house of Marshall Field &
CO. 30
The clerk of the business house did not
tell his manager of the "affront" placed on
the house, but quietly meditated revenge.
He knew Postmaster OLeary, at Evanston,
latter would accept the ch9k of Marshall
Field & Co.. and aaA furnish stamps. Mr..
O'Leary kept the firm supplied with stamps
until the scheme was disclosed three weeks
ago.
The proof taker by Inspector Stuart. of
the postal department, shows that O'Leary
than willing seller Of them. Once or twice
a week he would take a big bundle of
stamps under his arp, come to Chicago and
IL Co.. ito his friend the clerk in charge of
the postage account,
The receipts of the Evanston postofice
friends .. ", aap it grow" It kept Sai growing
adding to the postmasters salary and secur-
ing additional clerks for the office, making
lighter the work of the others.
But an evil day came, ard a woman is re-
sponsible for. the collapse of the Evanston
postoffice growth and dignity. Miss Eva
handed out mail to the students. from the
university. Recently politicians of high and
low degree have ,harassed Postmaster
O'Leary, who was regarded by them as
legitimate prey, nasmuch as he is one of
the very few Democratic office holders in
the town. Pestered to death, the postmaster
instructed Miss Grey to inform his political
callers that he was not in. Miss Grey said
she would not lie for anyone, and would
tell no one that Postmaster O'Leary was
mot in when, he was ''in." The post
master urged that It was only a conven-
tional and polite way of saying tha he
did not want to sees anybody. Miss Grey
was o~bdurate, and in the end the post
master had her dismissed from the service.
Then a womans anger caused his down
fall. Miss Grey told the Chicago postoffice
officials all about the quiet little deal that
stamp clerk of MaxshaAo Field & Co. IN
spector Stuart was put on the case. In two
shall Fields and got a statement out of
Postmaster OLeary. His report has gone
MarsnaII Field was apprised on the eve of
his departure for Europe Of the conduct of
his clerk. He was astonisheds and called the
told how the firm had been insulted and its
.probity assaulted by the refusal of the cashier
of the Chicago postothee to take its check.
THE face of the young man burned with in
dignation as he told the head of the great
firm: What could L do said he, except
TO resent such conduct"
Mr.. Field laughed at the explanation given,
for the sincerity Of the clerk was undoubted,
but he gave him a stern rebuke and told him
in the future to buy his stamps from the
tainted when he was told to have the check
certified 90 I rsp
In speaking about the affair Mr.. Field said
he was loyal to Chicago, and he wanted
whatever business he did through the post
Office to rebound to the benefit of the Chica-
go office. IF the purchase. Of my stamps
gives employment to four clerks a year, I
want Chicago to- have those clerks" he
said. II am surprised that this matter never
came to light before. The young man acted
without the advice or knowledge of his SUI
periors in our, business Office"
Postmaster OLeary''s offense is not a GRIM
inal one. He can sell his stamps to whom
soever he pleases. Had the clerk Of Marshall
Field & Co. gone to Evanston and purchased
his stamps at the. window there would have
been nothing wrong to allege against the
postmaster. But his personal delivery of
stamps, and his evident knowledge Of the
animus of the clerk, and his desire to in
crease the receipts Of mis- office at the ex-
pense of the Chicago office, are a violation Of
departmental rules and departmental ETH
quette. The Postmaster-geaeral will mete
out the punishment. cos