Smyrna times., 1901-10-16
POSTMASTER BROWN REMOVED.


Temporary Use of Bank Money the Cause.
Wm. II. Head Appointed 10 His Place.
Surprise was occasioned last We'd
nesday morning when it was an
nounced from Washington that Presi-
dentRoosevelt had appointed William
H. Heald to be postmaster in Whining
ton. While the announcement did not
contain the statement that Postmaster
Hugh G. Browne had resigned, it was
generally supposed that he had for the
reason that his term does not expire
until January 10, 1908. Those inter
ested in the matter declined to talk
on the subject, but about Wilmington
the news occasioned but little surprise
because it was understood that some
thing was likely to happen for several
days. 1t was known that Mr.. Browne
was in Washington on Tuesday night
and early Wednesday morning and
was supposed to have presented his
resignation at tnat Tune.
When the last inspection of the Will
mington postofice took place on Sun
day, August 18. by Inspectors William
J. Maxwell of Wilmington, and Major
Little, of Washington, there were stor-
les that he was short in his accounts
at that time, but that he owed the gov
ernment anything was denied. 1t is
reported, however, that the inspectors
found shortage of $685. in the money
order department and when an expla-
nation was asked the postmaster told
the inspectors that he was good for
the amount and that it would be paid.
1t was paid on the following day. 1t
was also claimed that there was a
shortage of $40 in the general office
account up to the Saturday night be-
fore the inspection, but that on the
following Monday morning before the
inspection was finished, the amount
was made good by deposit in the
First National Bank, of Wilmington,
which is the government depository.
| The latter matter was not taken into
account.
Under the rules of the Post Office
Department the inspectors reported to
their chief, he in turn reported to the
Postmaster-G General and the matter
was laid before the President 1t was
supposed by many that no more would
be heard of the matter as the govern
ment had lost no money and the post
office was being conducted in a way
which was satisfactory to the people.
Numerous improvements were in con
temptation by Postmaster Browne
when he presented his resignation anG
the appointment of his successor was
announced.
William H. Heald, who was appointed
postmaster for Wilmington on Wed
nesday, received official notice Of hii
appointment Thursday. He will re
ceive his commission in few days anC
it is supposed that it will be gooC
until Congress meets, when Mr.. HealC
will be appointed for the full term o
four years from his confirmation by
the Senate.
Mr.. Heald has not yet decided wheI
he will take charge of the post Office
He will first fill out number of paper
forwarded from Washington and will
give bond. In the meantime the OF
fee will be in charge of Assistant Post
master H. H. Billany.
Mr.. Heald will have the appoint
ment of an assistant postmaster, buf
it is likely that he will continue Nh
Billany in that position. Mr.. Heal
said Thursday that he would make n
changes in the office unless the servic
demanded changes. He will do every
thing possible to keep the Office up
high standard Mr.. Heald accepte
the position with reluctance and wa
y not in any way a candidate for IL
place.