Omaha daily bee., 1899-01-07
GOING AFTER HOXIE'S SCALP
Poynter Will Discharge Superintendent Of
Kearney Industrial School. s.
DECAPTATIoN PROCESS BEGINS EARLY
John &. sprccher of schuyler the Man
Chosen to Succeed HONic-Pro-
posed Change sets the Gos-
sips Talking.

LINCOLN, Jan. G.-(Speciel)- even
ing the news was given out that c. W.
HoXie superintendent Of the Industrial
school at kelrney, had been discharged by
Governor Poynter and that John c.
Sprechcr of schuyler had been appointed TO
the place This piece of news caused much
surprise, Indicating, as it did that the new
governor had commenced the work of de-
capitltion almost before the Inauguration
services had concluded. Yet the informa-
tion was generally accepted as correct and
one Of those who believed 1t most implicitly
was Mr.. Sprecher himself.
uIoa beng interviewed this morning
Sprecher said that he had never applied for
the place at Kearney, having been an ap-
plicant for the chief oil inspectorship, but
he said he would accept the kearney job.
He said further; in taking the position
| will not use it as a means to reward po-
lltical friends Of myself or anyone else.
will take charge OF the institution with the
intention of running 1t in business-like
way and will shoulder none of the old
quarrels. None Of the present employees
will be discharged unless they show an un-
fitness for the positions they hold. ] am d
firm believer in the principles of civil
service regulating the employees in state in
stitutions."
The news that Hoxie had been discharged
In such short order and without hearing
caused several friends Of the superintendent
to call at the governors office today and
some unfavorable comment was heard. This
led to the information being given out by
Private Secretary Jewell that there had
been no change in the institution and that
there would be none made Immediately. He
said that Superintendent HoXie had been
sent for and that the condition of affairs at
the institution would be carefully inquired
into, but that Governor Poynter would not
use undue haste in the matter. He admit
ted that a change was contemplated and
that Mr.. Sprecher had been considered as
the possible successor of Hoxe.
Superintendent Hoxie arrived in the city
during the day and said to the reporter that
so far as he knew he had not been dis
charged, but he said: IF they don't want
me any longer. all they have to do is to
say So" Mr.. sprecher left the city this aft
ernoon firm in the belief that he would soon
take up his duties at Kearney.
In democratic circles the incident is being
commented on principally because John c.
Sprecher, the leading middle of-th road
populst in the state, is singled out bv Gov
tTuOT IoyultT lOl Tue pollllCdl ieWdiu
and the political significance of the move is
believed to be far-reaching.
KEARNEY, Neb., Jan. 6.--(Special Tere-
gram The selection of John C. Spreche,
to succeed superintendent Hoxie at the
Industrial school meets general appreciation
with his acquantances here. 1t is espec-
tally gratifying to the middeo Of the road
populsts. 1t is the consensus of opinion
that he will have to use the pruning knife
vigorously in order to restore harmony and
order out of the present chaotic conditions