The age-herald., 1901-10-26
HUGHES HONE: SURE IF BEING
 REAPPOINTED Declares Charges Were Made by Men Who Have
 No Standing WERE FOUND GROUNDLESS Ills Office Always Open to Investlea- tlon-Expects to Extend Free
 Delivery Service to
 More Suburbs.
WERE FOUND GROUNDLESS

Postmaster Hughes returned from the east last night, looking well after his va- cation and with the firm conviction that he will continue to preside over Birming- hams mail distributing center.
 Dr. Hughes was absent from home just eight days. He visited Washington, Buff falo and other eastern cities, and de- clared that he had had such an enjoyable trip that he put on eight pounds of flesh a pound for each day. While Dr. Hughes would not discuss the chances of his re- appointment at great length, he wears the air of a man who feels sure of his ground.
 In reply to questions about the success he met with in Washington for any ex- tension for free mail delivery at Wood lawn, Avondale, Elyton and West End, Dr. Hughes replied:
 Suburban Delivery.
 'I discussed that matter fully with the postoffice department. and it was very satisfactorily arranged. But it cannot be perfected until after the Christmas holi- days; and not doubting my reappoint- ment, I am confident l shall have the pleasure of extending free delivery to the good people of these towns who have so generously endorsed and approved Con- gressman Underwood's and my efforts in this good work
 What about the contention that you have violated certain civil rules?'
 That Is an old charge replied the postmaster, preferred by men who neither have social. business nor political standing, and thell staten ents woaId not be considered in this community where they reside These charges have been investigated by the department until they are threadbare and found groundless. The management of my office has always of the civil service commission or any other department of the government"
 Says He VIII Get 1t.
 Judge J. H. Montgomery returned on the same train with Dr. Hughes.
 "Yes, have been to the Exposition said Judge Montgomery. Ut is a big show and Alabama stands proudly among her sister States"
 Did you stop in WashingtonT' was asked.
 "I paid my respects to the President, whom I found very courteous and who treated me with nice consideration. No m ention was made of the federal offices In Alabama. I do not doubt but that MT. Roosevelt's administration will be a splendid success
 1''Who will be appointed postmaster at Birmingham
 How do I know?" the judge replied.
 Who, in. your opinion, will be?'
 'I met the Postmaster General and other officials of that department and the numerous expressions of Dr. Hughes eff ficiency as an officer and the general con dition of the atmosphere in and about the Postoffice Department led me to ven- ture the prediction, and I do not hesitate to predict that at the meeting of Con- gress Dr. Hughes will be named as his own successor"
 'Then you do not seriously regard the reported or rumored civil service irregu- larities against Dr. Hughes?'
 From what I could gather 1t is re- hash of charges that have been investi- gated several times, with absolute vindi- cation of Dr. Hughes official conduct, and I saw no one who considered the matter as of much importance. We law yers would say the case has been adjudi- cated-settled."