Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-10-28
ua,lp Kennebec Journal.
EX-GOV. BUSHlEL CHARGES
New Hampshire Republicans With
Levying Political Assessments.
And the Boston Maine With illegally Is.
suing Free Passes.

washington, Oct. Pick Governor
Bushiel of New Hampshire, has prefer
red charges with the civil service conf
mission against members of the Repub-
ucan State committee of New Hamp-
shire for assessing political cOntribu-
lions upon federal Office holders in that
state and has written to the comptrol-
Ter of the currency complaining that
the First National Bank of Concord is
aiding and abetting the violation of the
civil service law by acting as the agent
of a United States official in soliciting
political subscriptions from other Unit
ed States office holders.
Ex-Gov Bushels complaint to the
civil service commission was sent to
Commissioner Proctor, Oct. II, and,
Oct. 90. he sent to the commissioner q
COPY of a circular calling for political
contributions issued by the Republi-
can state committee. The circular was
signed by VIM. F. Thayer, treasurer
It stated among other things, that in
the pending campaign, no help could
be expected from the national or con-
gressional committee.
1--WE must look to those who are
honored by the party in this state"
the letter ran, ito meet the expenses
of the campaign. knowing the inter-
est you feel in Republican success, I
take the liberty of asking you to con-
tribute S. which you will send by
check or money order in enclosed
envelope to the treasurer of the com
mittee."
The amount of the assessment had
been cut from the circular and also the
name of the official to whom it was
addressed. Ex-Gov. Busiel in his let
ter gave the names of several Office
holders who could substantiate the
charge that these circulars were issued
and sent to them. In his letter ex-Gov.
Bushiel says that he is a Republican
and has no desire to injure his party
in the state, but that he feels COM
PEELED from the highest motives to call
attention to these violations of the
civil service law.
The, civil service commissioner will
investigate Nj. Bushels charges. This
has not been officially decided upon,
but member of the commission says
that Mr.. Eusiels showing fully war
rants an Investigation. If upon in
vestigation the charges are substantial
ted legal prosecution will follow.
Ex-Gov. Busiel has also revived q
complaint filled with the inteIState
commission some eight years ago
against the Boston & Maine Railroad
for issuing illegal passes. Atsthat time
the commission fully Investigated the
free pass question. On that occasion
Senator Chandler aIpeaxnu AGAINST the
railroad. The comtHsxh rendered a
decision and filed ah&der in Deem
Der, 1891, directing the Boston & Maine
to cease the unjust discrimination aris-
ing from the issue of free passes to
certain favored persons not exempted
by law.
The commission at that time reserv-
ed for further investigation the ques-
ton of the legality of giving passess to
newspaper representatives. hotel men
and others from whom the railroad
contended by way of service it receiv-
ed compensation. Under date of Oct
II, eX-Gov. Busiel charges that the
Boston & Maine did not obey the order
of the commission, but continued its
determinations.
He also asks for a decision of the I'M
decided question by bringing in ship
pers of freight. He asks that the Bos-
ton & Maine be required to furnish 9
list of the passes issued since the orr
ginal investigation. The interstate
commerce commission has served the
the railroad with copy of the com
plant which must be answered ac-
cording to law within 20 days.