Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-04-25
THE COHEN co.
CIvM-sERvICE INVESTIGATION.
Testimony Before Pritcbsrd's Com-
mfttee-Dismfssnls from ONCE.


mfttec-Dismissnls from once.
WASHINGTON. April 2i.-The Senate
Committee on Civil Service, Of which
Senator Pritchard. of North Carolina Is
chairman, began its Investigation OF the
civil service to-day, under the resolution
adopted by the Senate. William Bash
land. an ex-Union soldier. testified to
having been dismissed from the once
of the United States Treasurer. which.
he claimed. was done In order TO make a
place for the son OF Register 1tllman,
boy II years old, who had not, he saio'
been required TO pass civil-seryice ex-
animation. He said there were other
appointees under Register Tillman. OK
whom an examination had not peeh re-
cuircd.
Secretary of-Agriculture Wilson was
also before the committee. He expressed
the opinion that chiefs OF divisions IN the
executive departments. and others
charged with executive responsibility,
should not be included IN the classlhed
service, as provided in Mr.. Cieveiands
order
William c. Conner, a bookbinder at the
Government Printing-Ofiice, said tnat no
educational qualification was required IN
many classes Of work done In tho olnu-
cries. He charged that girls appointed
under the rules OF the classf1ed ser'ice
had TO be taught to do the work re-
uuired after they were appointed MT.
Connor said that In several instances,
lust previous to the recent change III
administration. the wages OF persons VINO
had been receiving 50 per day had been
increased TO the extent OF a cent an hour.
In order to hold them in the service
under the classification.
william Il. Ryan, late clerk In the
Treasury Department, who made the race
for Congress in the Thirty-hrst Congress
| slonal District OF New YORK last fali, on
| the Democratic ticket. and who IL con-
| testing the seat OF his successful Rep1oii-
| can rival. detailed the circumstances OF
| his dismissal He claimed to have been
absent without pay, though not without
| leave. during the campaign, while ne
understood that many other governments
| officials such as the Secretary OF the
| Treasury. Comptroller Eckels. and even
| the chairman of the Civil-Service Com
mission were absent on pay.
Mr.. Ryan said that when he returned
| to his desk in November, he found his
dismissal awaiting him; but that ne was
reinstated In February, and again us
missed in March. This latter dismissal.
| Mr.. Ryan claimed 10 be due TO the fact
| his contest for tie seat in Congress.
He said that Logan Carlisle, son or the
Secretary, and Chief Clerk of the Depart
| ment, told him that the prosecution OK
the contest could avail him nothing. AR.
Ryan said he had no doubt that ms as
missal was for purely political reasons,
Because my views differed from those
OF Mr.. Carlisle" he added.
A letter was received from Secretary
Gage. in which he stated his general
commentator of the civil-service system.
He thought, however. there should Dc
exceptions, and he instanced deputy reve-
nue. collectors. who. he said. should be ap-
| pointed by the revenue collectors, 10
| whom they were personally responsible.
Senator Pritchard announced his pur-
pose to ask the heads OF all departments
to appear before the committee, In order
TO make the investigation thorough. Tho
committee adjourned until saturday next.