Omaha daily bee., 1899-04-20
CROW NOW IN FULL CHARGE
Distributes Roses ana ~Carnations
Among the Employees of
the Postoticc.

-
While Postmaster Crow was indicted into
office Monday, officially he did not take
charge of the Omaha postofice until Tues
day night after the close of business hours,
when he receipted for the cash, furniture
and equipment. Yesterday he was on
hand bright and early, bringing with him
a couple of hundred roses and carnations,
which he distributed among the employees,
to whom he was introduced. After these
formalities had been disposed of, accom-
panied by Euclid Martin, his predecessor,
he proceeded to the bank, where the gev-
eminent funds were transferred. This In
cluded the last act in the change of post
masters, and now Mr.. Grow is the man in
charge.
The result of changing postmasters In
the middle of the month has given the en>
ployes three pay days in one month, some
thing that never occurred before in the
history of the office. Early in the month
Mr.. Martin expected that Mr.. Grow would
take charge last Saturday, and he at once
proceeded to make arrangements to pay off
for the fifteen days. Saturday night the
checks we're delivered to the 125 employees
and the books were closed. There was
some delay, however, in the approval OF
tue official bond of Postmaster Grow, and
DuIudy III Nlouiuy tht oiiiNt wac II Sba 90
of Nj. Martin. Postmaster Crow not going
on duty until after the close of business
hours Tuesday necessitated Mr.. Martin
paying off for these two days, and consc-
quently Wednesday was another pay day.
Postmaster Grow being in charge now COM
pels him to pay off for the balance of the
month, so that at the beginning of next
month the employees will have a third pay
day, receiving pay for the remaining days
Of April.
The change in postmasters has not re-
suited in any changes in the working force
of the office. While Mr.. Grow has no de-
sire to make any changes, the fact remains
that he has but one appointment to give out,
and that one is that OF deputy or assistant
postmaster. There will be no change in this
position, however, as when Mr.. Crow sent On
his official bond for approval he at the same
time sent with it the appointment of James
l. Woodland, who has held the position con-
tinuously during the last twenty-five years,
serving with both republican and democratic
officials. Mr.. Woodland is a republican, but
his politics made no difference with his po-
sition during all of these long years.
Political friends have besieged Mr.. Grow
for places ever since notification of his ap-
pointment has been received, but he has
informed them, one and all, that he has
nothing for them. He explains that all of
the employees are under civil service rules
and that if applicants want positions they
must pass the required examination and
then take their chances.
Prior to 1887 civil service rules did not
apply in the Postofice department and ac-
cordingly every incoming postmaster was ex-
pected to find numerous places for friends
and others who were possessed with polit
ical pulls. AS a result the incoming of a
new postmaster demorallzed the efficiency
of the office, as for months before and after
the change was made none of the clerks
carriers or other employees felt secure in
their positions.
Under civil service rules, however, things
have changed and now no employee can be
! removed except for cause. OF course 1t is
possible to find cause for the removal of ar
, employe, but after the employe is given no
tice he or she may demand an investiga.
ton and the postmaster must then prove
up the same as though making a case In
court.
Again, a removal of an employe would not
of itself give a friend of the postmaster