The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-12-13

The Democratic Postmnster Refuses to Go Out
Until His succeasor Han Reen Confirmed.

Suth ISL hhAh becn confirmed.
WASHINGTON. Dec. 1.-the constructions put
upon the extension of the Civil Service law by
clerks and Postmasters who do not wish to be
removed or reduced have been the source of in
finite annoyance to the Post Office Department..
and every day some new case turns up. Tho
latest Is that of the Postmaster at Rock Island,
ILL.,, where the Postmaster contends that he is
not removed until his successor has been
confirmed by the Senate, and refuses
to give up the office. The Postmaster
WAS notified to turn over the office to
his successor, and the latter was authorized to
take possession of tho office. even II force had to
be used. This Office came before the public sew
eral years ago. when the fight over the removal
of the Office from Fulton. Whitman county, was
at its height. The headquarters of the Modern
Woodsmen OF America. an organization with
100000 members, were located at Fulton. and
the removal of the Pest ONCE to Rock Island
lowed and much III feeling was engendered.
The incumbent of the Itock Isl and Post Office
cratic paper. is a free silver Democrat. and is
represented as u good citizen. 1t was in. listed
d ahsa MF' had prinf hin the reR RePrsSFbn as STe. P fTGm th as:
OF the term OF tho Postmaster. -Gharges
ter, and after a formal investigation the
department determined to remove him.
Accordingly Representative Prince was notified
to select his successor, and he recommended r.
f.. Moore. who was n member of the Republican
County and favored by the residents
Of the community. Mr.. Moore was appointed
and the commission duly forwarded to him.
Several weeks ago he presented himself. com.
mission In hand, at the Post Office and notified
the Postmaster that, II IL was agreeable TO him.
he would like to take possession OF tho office.
Bastian told Mr.. Moore that II WAS
not agreeable TO him; that ps he Ind been con.
hrncd by the Senate he could not be dismissed
without tho consent of the Senate, and that he
INT. Moore) could cool his heels in the lobby of
the office while waiting for his mail until such
time as the Senate should see fit to confirm his
appointment. But, being n man Of petce, no
communicated with the postal authorities and
with Mr.. Prince.
Mr.. Prince came to the Post Office Department
on Saturday In high dudgeon. 1t is said that
his mission was successful and that the depart
ment took immediate steps to place the office in
tbs hands OF tho now Postmaster, Ms related.
Mr.. Prince maintains that tho trouble was all
the outgrowth of the Rbominable constructions
of the Civil Service law. He was inquiring IL 1t
was possible for an officer Of the Government,
removed on charges, 10 defy the Government OF
the United States. He said h" would inyesti.
gate further and see II some legal process could
not he taken to punish such nm officer for what
might be termed petty treason In thus defying
the Government.
The department is awaiting information from
Rock Island, and hopes that the new Postmas-
ter will not have to use dynamite TO obtain pos
8 ession OF his Office.