Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-09-14
THE CASE OF WOODS.
1T Is NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION
by JUDGE COX.
BEARING ON THE BRADY CASES
CiviI-service Ordered of the Presi-
dents, With Which Secretary
ington Democrats Want Speakers.

WASHINGTON, ID. c., September 49,
(Special.) 1.-THE civil-serviee case OF ]. r.
Woods, the superintendent OF railway
mails, who declined TO be reduced in
rank and pay-from superintendent to
postal clerk, and from 5000 to $1,000 in
salary-is exciting considerable attention
among department officials, both here
and throughout the country. Elaborate
arguments have been made both on the
side OF Wood and on that OF the POST
master-General, who is made the defend
ant in the case. Judge Cox, of the Dis
trict courts, has the papers in the case
under consideration. and will render his
decision this week. This decision will,
il is understood, have strong bearing
on the cases of the revenue officials
ousted by Collector Brady at Richmond.
The construction by Hon. John r.
Proctor, of the Civil-Servlce Commission,
of the Presidents civil-seryice order,
which is as follows, figures as an impor-
tant feature OF the Woods case:
mo removal shall be made from any
position subject 10 competitive examina-
ton except for just cause and upon Writ
ten charges filed with the head OF the
depar lment, or ether appointing oincer,
and OF which the accused shall nave fuii
notice and an opportunity TO make de-
fence"
/ am informed now that Secretary Gage
does not agree with this order. He does
not approve OF that portion OF II when
requires charges TO be preferred and a
hearing granted before an ofhcial can De
removed without cause. Secretary Gage
mouthpiece says that the order was is
sued hastily; that Gage knew notning Oh
II until he saw IL published, aud II ~
would then nave done any goou' ne
would have protested against II. II Is also
given out semi-officially that secretary
Gage approves of the action OF Collector
Brady at Richmond.
Virginia Democrats here are looking
anxiousy for a programme OF the com
ing campaign. DR.. X. n. Harper, or the
Virginia Democratic Association, wishes
to secure some OF the leading speakers
for this city. and he has written 10
Chairman Ellyson and Secretary Button
10 make dates here for the candidates on
the State ticket. and the two senators, II
possible.
PERSONAL ITE5IS.
Chief Engineer Harry Frazier. OF the
Chesapeake and Ohio railway, passed
through to-day from the Write sulphur
he goes to bring his family, who are visit
ing there home to Richmond.
DR. Lawrence Ashton. formerly or
Fredericksburg. but now OF Dallas. Tex.
who has been travelling in Europe for
the past six months. arrived here on his
way home yesterday. The Doctor was
met az the Metropolitan by Mrs. Ashton
and daughter. and Aost OF Virginia
friends. BY whom he was warmly well
coined. He will remain here several days.
then 20 10 Virginia for a stay OF Few
weeks. visiting relatives and FRIENDS, and
then return to his nome. in Texas
DR. and Mrs. J. F. VIM. Of Ricnmond.
who have been North on their bridal tour,
are again in the city on their way home,
stopping at the Metropolitan.
Other virginians at this hotel are A.
d. Crutehfieid and j. J. Hickok, OF Rich
Inond. and W. r. Simcoe and G. T..
NJ. NJ Albright. of Richmond. Is at the
Jefferson.
c. s. williams. University Of Virginia
II. +. johnson. r. s. Ardrus. Rich
mond-The Raleigh.
j. II. Lee. Richmond-The vendome,
w. c. Wilson. II. NJ. Sparks. 7. l.
Chisholm and wife. Fl. B. Cauter ana
wife. l. E. Mathews and wife, Misses
Eta and L. +. Wattine. Of North Caro-
lina-Howard House: