Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-07
DISQUIETING RUM0R
Reduction of Salaries in District At
torney's Office.
REPORTED ACTION OF THE new CHIEF
Majority Of the Assistants to Re-
ceive Less Pay.
MIR. LASKEY'S RESIGNATION

Something in the nature of mild sensa-
ton was created about the city hall today
when it became rumored that United States
Attorney Anderson, recently appointed, in
tends to make sweeping reductions in the
salaries of the assistant United States at
tcrneys and other employees of his office.
Since 1T has been generally declared that
the compensation allowed the local assist
ant United States attorneys has not been
by any means commensurate with the du
ties they are required to perform, the an
nouncement that their pay was to be ma
teria.ly iessened was considered on all sides
to be hardship, and perhaps an error of
judgment, If not display Of lack of wis
dom. 1t is said that the records Of the De-
partment of Justice shows that the Office
Of United States attorney for the District
of Columbia transacts more business and
the employees are paid less than any other
similar establishment in the country. In
some of the offices the assistants receive a
salary as high as 81, 800 per annum. Here
the United States attorney receives $1,000.
Decline Discussion.
No one connected with the office would
discuss the matter this afternoon. The ma
jority of them have not been notified of
any reductions, nor have they any direct
ed, however that the reductions of
salary must be made to provide for the po-
sition to which Mr.. Thomas c. Taylor has
been appointed, and at the same time not
disturb any Of the old members of the
force. In one instance, it is said, the re-
other. from $4,000 to $500; In a third. from
$1,000 to 1880; in fourth. from 81, 800 to
$1,000, and so on Mr.. Taylor will receive
$1,000 a year, which will be as large an
ar1oAI will ha mai 1hnr nf ba
force To provide this sum, it is under
stood, 1t has been found necessary to scale
the salaries of the majority, If not all the
others, connected with the Office.
1t is admitted that. from Mr.. Anderson =
point of view, his action is entirely proper.
If necessary, it Is pointed out, he could re-
move any or all of the force and appoint
to the positions any persons he desired. He
was. and still is, for that matter, practical
ly a stranger to those who are under him
in office. 1t was natural that he should de-
sire some one well known to him as an
assistant. He selected Mr.. Taylor. Rather
than dismiss from employment any of those
In office, he preferred to adopt what he
considered a course more considerable of
them and make reduction of salaries.
When asked this afternoon If he would
make a statement in regard to the matter.
United States Attorney Anderson replied
in the negative. He declined to speak, In
view of the fact that nothing has been pro-
,mulgated in connection with changes in
RuMOrs of Resignation.
AS stated. the members of the force de-
cline to discuss the matter in any way.
There are, however, rumors Of resigna-
tfons, but 1t is believed the majority will
remain, especially in view of suggestion
that the reductions may be temporary only.
Mr.. John E. Laskey, one Of the assistant
attorneys. has rendered his resignation, to
take effect the 18th instant. This action
on the part Of Mr.. Laskey had no relation
to the reduction of salaries. 1t was his
intention to sever his connection with the
office. in order that he might devote his
entire time to his private practice, even
had Mr.. Davis remained United States at
torney. Mr.. Anderson informed Mr.. Las
key that he would be very glad to have
him remain, especially as several Of the JUS
,tices and many of the attorneys had volun-
,tarily spoken in his behalf. Mr.. Laskey,
however. could not, in view of his personal
interests, see his way clear to retain his
position. No intimation as to who will sue
coed him has yet been given.