The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-22
CUT FROM WHOLE CLOTH
RECENT STORY IN A CINCINNATI PA
PER OF U. s. DEPOT SHAKE.UP.
Strong Denial of Statement that
Changes I'm JenersOnviIle Institu-
ton Were Inspired by Politics.

Special to the indianapolis Journal.
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind, Nov. IA re-
cent statement in a Cincinnati paper in re-
gard to the alleged political shake-up at
the quartermaster's depot in this city was
read here with a mixed feeling of amuse-
ment and ndignation-amusement because
or some OF the absurd statements 1t con-
tanned and indignation at the great number
OF misstatements 1t made. The article
stated that the readjustment of the en-
ployes at the local depot was purely a po-
litical scheme and that Colonel ]. w. Pull
man. of Washington, assistant quarter
master general, was prompted in his actions
by a political motive instead of a desire to
bring about better condition of affairs
In the management of the quartermaster's
depot here. This statement is unfair to
Colonel Pullman and to General Charles F.
Humphry. quartermaster general, under
whose orders Colonel Pullman was acting
While 1t has been charged that small
clique was running things at the local de-
pot. yet it has never been considered wholly
political but 1t had managed affairs in such
a manner that the force was badly dis
organized and little good feeling prevailed
among the employees. 1t was 10 straighten
out this condition that Colonel Pullman was
sent here. His investigation was carried
on in a dignifed manner and he did not con-
nive with local politicians. The statement
that on his arrival he was met at a Louis
Vile hotel by Postmaster N. H. Myers and
Ward IL. Watson, and a plan to be fol-
lowed during the investigation mapped out,
Is denied In the strongest terms. and it is
known that no one here knew what kind
OF report Colonel Pullman would make
to the quartermaster general. 1t is true
al Prrllv ErNcf .far
Myers are warm personal friends ana that
they spent some time together, when duties
would permit. during Colonel Pullman's
man knows that he would not allow politics
or suggestions from politicians TO influence
him in a matter Of this kind.
The report also said that the investiga-
ton had caused a widening Of the breach
between the Republican factions here, and
almost In the same breath added that both
factions were anxious for a change at the
depot. If both factions wanted the change,
why then should the change cause a row
between them? Like all other towns in the
State, the two senat tors have their follow
ing here, but the two factions are more
nearly solicited now than they have been
for years. At the last city election both
sides worked side by side and the best of
feeling existed II there is any fight over
the formation of a new organization, and If
either faction is pushing any one of it's
number for place on the local committee,
no one here knows anything about 1t.
1t has been charged by Congressman
Zenor and other Democrats who have inter-
ested themselves In the case that the civil
service rules have been violated by the
adjustment at the depot. On just what
grounds they base this statement cannot
be understood. none Of the clerks have
been ousted from position nor has any one
OF them had his salary reduced and, as Ii
is admitted that the quartermaster's de-
partment may transfer clerks from
place to another at it's will, 1t cannot be
seen where any violations have occurred 1t
is true that w. T. Williams, chief clerk,
and I. H. Upperman, correspondence clerk,
whose places have been filled by other men,
have not been assigned to new places, but
this probably will be done soon. and within
the bounds of the civil service law. They
are now on leave of absence and are draw
ing their salaries.
AS an example of the ignorance Of facts
says that John 9. Pernett is running for
sheriff" The fact is that Mr.. Pernett was
elected sheriff last November and will take
his office in few months.
The article concludes by stating that al
though there are two factions In the Demo-
cratic party here. they are working har-
moniously together. This is not the case.
An ugly row that was raised a year ago
over the selection of a county chairman
fair to develop into a general fight over
the selection of a new chairman. The Bit
terest fight Will be over the selection OF
candidate for circuit judge, both factions
having candidates whom they are de-
termined to nominate. The facts are that
the Democrats of Clark county need not
go hunting around the Republican camp for
dissatisfaction and factional fights, as they
have an abundance at home to contend