The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-10-28
ASSESSED OFFICIALS.
Charges Against N. II. Republican
State Committee.
FILED WITH CIVIL SERVICE COM
MISSIONERS.

BY Ex-Gov. Busiel of That State-He Al
SO Reviews Charges Against Boston
and Maine For Issuing Illegal
Passes.
Washington. October a7.-Ex-Gcv.
Busiel Of New Hampshire has preferred
charges with the civil service commission
against the members o.. the Republican
state committee of New Ham pshire for
assessing political contributions upon
federal Office holders in that state, and
has written to the comptroller of the our
rency complaining that ths First Nation
al bank of Concord is aiding and abetting
the violation of the civil service law by
acting as the agent Of United States
official in soliciting political subscrip-
sions from other United States office hold
era
Ex-Gov. Bushels complaint to the OWL
service commission were sent to Commits
sioner Proctor October II, and on October
90 he sent to the commissioners copy OF
circular calling for political contribu-
tions issued by the Republican state COM
mittee. The circular was signed by Will
liam B. Thayer, treasurer. 1t stated,
among other things, that in the pending
campaign, no help could be expected
from tbs national or congressional COM
mittee. 1--WE must look to those who are
honored by the party in this state, the
letter ran to meet the expenses OF the
campaign. Knowing the interest you feel
in Republican success, take the liberty
Of asking you to contribute g., which
you will send by check or money order In
enclosed envelope to the treasurer OF the
COMMITTEES. I"
The amount of tbs assessment had been
cut from the circular and also the name
of the official to whom it was addressed.
Ex-Gov. Busiel in his letter gave the
names of several office holders who could
aubstantiate the charge that these circu-
lars were issued and sent to them. In
his letter, ex-Gov. Busiel says that he 10
q Republican and has no desire to iniure
his narty in the state, but that he feels
compelled from the highest motives, to
call attention to these violations OF the
civil service law.
The civil service commission will tnves-
tigate Mr.. Bushels charge. This has
not been officially decided upon, but .
member of the commission says that Mr..
Bushels showing fully warrants an inves-
tigation. If, upon investigation. the
charges are substantiated. legal prosecu-
ton will follow.
Ex Gov. Busiel has also revived COM
plant filed with the interstate commits
sion some eight years ago, against the
Boston q Maine railroad for issuing
illegal passes. At TINT time the commits
sion fully Investigated the free pass ques-
ton. On that occasion Senator Ohand-
Ter appeared against the railroad. The
commission rendered decision and filed
an order in December, 1891 directing the
Boston & Maine to cease the unjust dis
elimination arising from the issue Of free
passes to certain favored persons not ex-
empted by law. The commission at that
time reserved for further investigation
the question Of the legality Of giving
passes to newspaper representatives, hotel
men and others from whom the railroad
oontended by way of service, it received
compensation. Under date of October
IL, ex Gov. BusieI charges that the Bos-
ton q Maine did not obey the order of the
commission, but continued its discrimi-
nation. He also asks for a decision Of the
undecided question by bringing in ship.
pers of freight. He asks that the Boston
Il Maine be required TO furnish list of
the passes issued since the original inves-
tigation. The interstate commerce COM
mission has served the railroad with a
copy of the complaint, which must be an
swered according to law within twenty
>days.