The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-01-03
INIOLERABLE OUTRAGE
Postmistress at Indianola, Miss,
Driven to Resign by a Law
less Element.

Washington, Jan. 3.-The feature aof
the cabinet meeting yesterday was thei
decision to close permanently the postof-
flee at Indianola, Miss, from which the
postmistress, Minnie NJ Cox, colored re-
signed under compulsion few days ago.
The postmaster general is satisfied that
the woman was obliged to resign under
duress; In fact. that her life was en-
dangered. The cabinet, after long dis
cussion, decided that the office will not
be reopened until the people In the dis
trict are ready to accept this woman as
their pOstmistress.
Secretary Cortelyou, for the president,
made public the following:
1.-The postmaster at Indianola, Miss, is
Mrs. Minnie w. Cox, a colored. woman.
She served three years as postmaster I'M
der President Harrison. When President
Mckinley came In she was again ap-
pointed In 1897, nearly six years ago. Her
character and standing in the community
are Endorsed by the best and most reputa-
BILE people In the town. Among those on
her bond Is the present democratic state
senator from the district together with
the leading banker of Indianola and an
ex-state senator from the district, also
democrat. The postmaster and her
husband own from $4,000 to $4,000 worth
of property In Suntlower county.
| THE reports of postoffice inspectors
time to time show that she has given
the utmost satisfaction to all the patrons
of the office; that she Is at all times
courteous. faithful competent and honest
in the discharge of her duties Her moral
standing in the community is Of the high
est. Her reputat ton Is of the best. Few
offices Of this grade in any state are con-
. Quoted better.
1.-THE postmaster recently forwarded hel
resignation, to take effect on Jan. l, but
the report Of inspectors and information
received from various reputable white
citizens Of the town and neighborhooo
show that the resignation was forced by
a brutal and lawless element, purely upor
the ground Of her color. and was obtained
under terror of threats. The mayor Of
the town and the sheriff Of the county
both told the postoffice inspector tina
if she refused to resign they could not b
answerable for her safety, although a
the same time not one word was sale
against her. On Jan. l the bondsmen o
the postmaster Telegram pied that the post
office was closed; that the postmaste
claimed that her resignation was. In tn
presidents hands, to take effect Jan. 1
and that there had been no advice Of tn
appointment of her successor. The tele
gram closed with the statement:
Prompt action necessary by the presi
dent for the relief Of the business inter
ests, which are being injured solely b:
the action Of the lawless element of tn
town, is wholly secondary to the pres
ervation Of law and order and the asser
ton Of the fundamental principle tina
this government will not connive at o
tolerate wrong and outrage of such flag
rant character
"By direction Of the president the fol
lowing was sent to the bondsnen: 81
1.-The postmaster's resignation ha
! been received but not accepted. In viev
Of the facts the postoffice at Indianol
, is closed. All mail for that place will b
forwarded to Greenvile. The case will b
referred to the attorney general"