The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-04-18
POSTAL PROMOTIONS
ALL TO BE HELD UP
Comptroller TraceweIl Rules Law
Has Been Exceeded.

All of the promotions recently author
lied by the division of salaries and al
| lowances in the Postoffice Department
viii be suspended. This is made nee
essary BY decision OF the Comptroller
of the Treasury concerning the uses Of
the appropriations under the Postoffice
bill passed at the recent Sc zion OF Con
gress.
Several days ago it was rumored that
the promotions might be held up pend
ing the Investigation Of the division OF
salaries and allowances. but this was
supposed TO be IN the nature OF a tenn
porary order, and it was believed the
promotions would go through as soon as
they were examined and it could be
shown there was no niger in the
wood pile
The decision OF Comptroller Trace
well. which was received by the Post
master General this morning. states IN
positive language that the promotions
have exceeded the authority OF law.
The question was submitted by Post
master General Payne. It came W
while First Assistant Wyune was acting
in the place OF Mr. Payne and John n.
HowIey was serving in the capacity o
First Assistant Mr. Payne requested
81 - s.aditar Tor The Postoflee Depart
ment IN opinion on the following
Whether, IN appoTtioning the appro-
priation for clerks at postofHces Of the
first and second classes for the next
fiscal year, the Postmaster General has
NJ
clerks OF oac grace than that fixed II
the act. provided that The total appro-
DriatioR for clerk hire al Offices CT the
classes named be not exceeded.
Comptroller TracewelI says the act OF
March 3. 1903. making appropriations for
the Postoface Department for the fiscal
year ending June 30 1904 under the
headings Office OF the First Assistant
Postmaster General and salary and al
Iowance division. contains numerous
provisions for the compensation OF
clerks in first and second class post
offices. including employees Of various
esiguaIions, and each OF these pro-
visions specifies the rate OF compensa-
ton 20 be paid the employees OF the
classes designated therein, the number
of employees provided for. and the
amount appropriated.
There is one exception TO this rule,
however. aud that provides that 3 per
cent OF the. appropriations mentioned
may be available interchaugeably for ex-
penditures on the objects named. but no
one item shall be Increased more than
the per cent named.
The Comptroller calls attention o the
welI-estabIlshed principle that ap-
preparation of specific sum tor . par
ticuIar object must be construed in the
nature OF Limitation. and as prohibit
ing the use Of a greater SUM.
1t is held therefore. that the authority
granting the use OF per cent Of the
amount appropriated for any OF the par
ticuIar class OF employees provided for
is specifically limited, and this pro-
hibIts the use of d greater percentage
either Of the amount appropriated for
any class of employees. or OF the amounts
by which the appropriation lor any class
OF employees may be increased with the
single exception OF the funds that may /
he used in the event Of consultations of /
po5tofices. That is provided for in this
item of the postof1ce appropriation bill. (.
For conversation TO postmasteTs +
s2I. .750. GOO Any portion saved by con
soiidation Of Dostofhces under the exist /
ing law shall be transferred 10 the ap- /
for compensation 10 clerks in /
gostofIces and made available for The /
payment Of salaries Of superinteHdents /
and clerks at stations established in lieu /