The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1897-06-27
VETERANS PREFER ENCE Law
And How 1t Does Not Seem to Salty Ii
Boston.

Boston, June 26.-Superintendent OF
Streets Wells does not believe that the
veterans preference law works to the
best advantage Of the city Of Boston so
far as his department is concerned.
Under him are a large number Of old
soldiers. and since the law of 1895 scores
o. veterans are sent 20 him on every re-
auisltior made on the civil service COM
mission for laborers in the street depart
ment On one occasion recently in re-
Spouse to a requisition of Mr.. Wells. 100
veterans were sent TO him, all of whom
were rejected because OF advanced age.
which rendered them incapable Of per-
forming the services required.
The superintendent. too, objects to be-
ing held to fixed standard Of efficiency
il he is compelled TO accept the services
OF veterans untitled by reason of age
to perform the duties required OF them.
Hts reason for Directing TO the veter-
ans is fully set forth in the appended
Statement, by him:
The veterans preference law passed
IN 1895 and re-enacted in 1886 IS unjus,
70 the head of this department and un-
fair 10 the men. Under this act veter-
ans take the preference in appointment,
and in a draft for laborers or other en-
ployes the veterans on the list must
first be appointed.
LAS an example of this requisition
was made on the civil service commits
sion for fifty men for sewer work. A
lis, Of over 100 veterans was the answer,
and these men mus; AL be employed be-
fore the regular list could be reached.
The ages Of these men ranged from
so 10 65 years The entire list was re-
jected on the ground OF unfitness for the
service. and It was necessary 10 cur
tail the work for the time being.
The work OF the street department
requires strong and vigorous men, and
IL is Unfair to hold the head OF the de-
partment 10 a CERTAIN standard OF eff
cheney and tie his hands as regards his
LABOR force This year in the depart
1,enr are many men who have grown old
In the service OF the city, and after
year. Of severe labor. IL their record
is good. they should receive the lighter
places where me work is fitted 20 their
years.
There would be no objection 10 giving
the veterans the preference 50 mai
they Nigh be selected. but il should 40.
o. made compulsory.
Further than this, the Law provides
that no veteran shall be discharged. sus-
pended. reduced IN pay. o. transferred
without a hearing before the mayor. no
matter what the cause or offsnse may
be. and before such suspension De made
pay is claimed under the law until such
time as me case has been heard and de-
cided by the mayor.
TIE head % this department has been
summoned INFO cour; 20 show cause way
veteran. suspended Cor gross neglect
OF important work assigned 20 him.
should no. De reias;ated and several
months back pay allowed.
Tina; there Is no disposition on The
part ot This administration 20 treat The
veterans with anything but fairness.
the record OF appointments. promotions
and transfers in this department VII
prove 81: 20 force he payment Of
wages fo- men suspended for drunken
ness while on duty. o. other serious Of
tense. pending . hearing. Is an abuse
waich fair and rsght-thinkiag veteran
orgsaiza lions should sep