New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-05-13
CHARGES AGAINST A POSTMASTER.
MIR HICKS WILL. NOT AT PRESENT ANSWER
THE CRITICS OF HIS ADMINISTRATIONS
OF THE PHILADELPHIA PosToFFICE.

PHILADELPHIA May p (SpeciaD.-Menoers OF the
National Civil Service Reform League VINO were
appointed a committee TO consloef Eio'"'iois Vi
the Civil Service law have for some time been de-
| -. ri, o+tentton TO the Philadelphia Post
o+sca On ADril Il William D. Fculke, chairman
of the committee. sent letter TO PRESIDENT Nc
Kfnrey IN which he charged Thomas L. Hicks.
Postmaster of Philadelphia. with violating Civil
service rules in several particulars and demanded
hts dismissal from office for the alleged infrac-
tons Among other charges, the letter recited
that "a considerable number OF laborers were
found TO be running canceng machines. which
is part of the duties OF classified clerks. This was
brought TO the attention Of the Postmaster-Gen-
eraI by the commission December l. 1899, but
action seems 70 have been taken in regard to it.
Our committee is informed of a number of
instances In which such abore7s performed classi-
fed work; that Miss Alice Cruthers was appointed
a window cleaner al 500 a year and afterward
had charge OF a set Of books: that Anna Stratton,
Mary +. Mercer Ef1e Miller and others were en-
ployed laborers. and for some time afterward
did the work of classified clerks II is evident that
the violation of this rule permits persons TO be
admitted to the classified service without exam
nation and seriously lmpairs the efficiency Of
the merit system. BY means Of such appointments
Mr. Hicks is enabled 10 fiji the Office largely with
persons Of his own selection. in defiance of the
rules
NJ. Hicks was also accused of having engaged
actively partisan politics of having reduced the
rank and salary Of postofice employees because of
their political affiliations. and of having appointed
his sister - position with salary Of $500 and
no duties. This arraignment Of Mr.. Hicks was
also transmitted TO the Postma ster-Cieueral.
In reply TO inquiries made 10 his probable ac-
ton in relation to these charges Mr. Hicks says:
You will note that the communication to the
President is dated April Il. and that the committee
states a copy was forwarded TO the Postmaster
General; ] am sure you will agree with me that
IL would he I'm bad taste discuss in detail the
subject while the President and the honorable
Postmaster-General have the matter under con-
sideration.
II you will permit. ! would suggest that | am
not responsible for the fact that this sef-COnsti
tuted committee is unable TO distinguish between
what is law and what may be a department regu-
lation or an executive order or that Il does not
appear to understand that the Civil Service act
provides that Ii shall be the duty of the Civil Ser
vice Commissioners ito aid the President he
may request in preparing suitable rules for carry
ing this into effect" and that in all Of the
other provisions Of the act the duty of the Civil
Service Commission is subordinate to its first duty
as aids to the President: for these reasons the
commission has neither the right power
make constrCe laws ii appears to be the
desire of the Civil Service Reform Association that
IL should do