The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-07-21
CLAIMS HR. ROOF Was UNJUST
Declares She Is Really Fight
ing for Freedom of Speech.
ORDERED TO SHOW CAUSE
Action Instituted IN the Supreme Court
OF the D.strict-cha7ged Dismissal
Violated Civil Service Laws-secre-
taTy Takes Matter Very Lightly.

g
Miss Rebeeea J. Taylor. who vas sum-
Ilari!y dismissed from the War Depart
ment On june By Secretary Root for
cFiticising the Presidents policy in the
Philippines, today dled petition for a
writ OF nandamus, in the Supreme Court
OF the District, asking to be restored to
her former position. she is represent
ed by Attorneys Frederick \. siddons, Of
Ralston & siddons. and 4. G. WOLF.
These attorneys are respectively secre-
tary and treasurer Of the Civil servica
Reform Association OF the District bur
it is stated that the litigation is fusti-
tuted solely By Miss Taylor. in her own
behalf.
Secretary Hust Make Reply.
When Miss Tayior-s petition vas pre-
seated to Justice Hagner. he signed an
order, requiring the Secretary of war %
sSc@ cause On Jaly IS, w8y the writ
asked for should rot BE- issued.
IN the statement to the press made By
Miss Taylor today. after her application
for writ CT mandamus against the Sec
Fetary OF War had been fled. sae said:
Miss TayIcIs Statement.
Feeling that had been most Unjust
y and uEIawfui.y removed from nv 10
Sitioa IL the WSr Department. I brought
the suit that was fled today. It is tco
plain for discussion that the civil ser
vice rules we're entirely ignored il the
esse Of Eig at5snptee removal ths
rules are really Designed 10 protect per-
sens employed n the civil service. sush
violation ef them as took place N nv
case should not be permitted to pass an
challenged. L the rules in question have
Eot The fCTce CT Isw-can be ignored OF
observed at the viii ana pleasure OF ev-
cry appointing oncer-the sooner the
country knows II and directs the correc-
tica BY legislative authority OF such 3
state OF affairs. the better.
Freedom CT Speech.
But, above and beyond the civil ser
vice lag and rules, / feel most deeDlv
hat ny freedom Of speech has been
soridgcd II the truest sense Of the word
felt. and feel, very strongly on Ger
ain political policies Of the present Ad-
ciristration, and, believing that I had
n undou3ted right 20 express myself on
hem publicly. cid so. For 50 dong The
secretary Of War attempted 10 deprive
ae OF my Office Against his acticn I
ave continuously and solemnly pro-
ested, aa5 in the application made to-
.ay hoBa 10 have my right to free
-Om c. speech guaranteed BY the Con-
titution. vindicated
Rights of Citizens.
It cannot re possible that officials.
gch as cne OF the Civil Service Com
1issioners, may be permitted TO make
ublie addresses in advocacy of the So
allied Philippine policy and an humber
-aploye OF the service. like myself. de-
lied the right OF publicly opposing that
anne policy.
If these distinctions are 20 be per-
litted. 1hcE IS it cot clear that an Ad-
may practically use the
.hoIe fcrce Of civil service employees
o Strengthen its position OF power. =
ither by converting them into active
xponents and supporters CT its policies.
= negatively, by siIeneing every per
on among them who is opposed TO its
olic1es2
surely 1t never vas intended that
person in entering the Government
eryice OF the United States should sur
cnder his rights rs a oitizen-amons
hem, the right CT holding and express
lg political and religious opinions
Miss Taylor, III her petition to the
ourt, recitss the circumstances o.. her
ppointment 20 the War Department as
clerk. and her correspondence relative
} the writing of the article criticising
ne Presidents policy in the Philippines.
he quotes the civil service rule No.
promulgated by the President, which
-escribes that no person shall be dis
.issed for political or religious
rinion or Affiliations and claims that
le rule is binding upon the Secretary
War
Mr. Root Smiles.
The news of Miss TayIor's suit was
rst given to Secretarv Root By an
vening Times representative Mr.
cot smiled broadly and did net appear
l the slightest degree perpurbed. He
scmed rather amused at the affair.
hen asked if he had anything to say
l regard TO the matter he replied:
No; do Ect care TO discuss the case
any OF its phases"
Chief Clerk John c. Schodeld. Of the
-ar Department, tsho signed the order
.smissing Mss Taylor. also took the
after lightly when told OF her action.
e. tco declined 10 make any COM
tents on the ease
Miss Taylor is 4 sister-ia-Iaw te
eUresentative AcCleary, Of Minnesota