The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-05
STORY OF THE TROUBLE.
Postmaster Was Compelled to Resign
by Race Preiudica.

Washington Jan. Sat the cabinet
meeting last Friday it was decided to
close permanently the postoffice at IN
dianola, Miss, from which the post
under cOmpulsion a few days ago since
which time the Office has been closed.
The bOndsmen brought the matter to
the attention of the authorities here
with the view of being relieved of the
responsibility Of the accumulated mail.
The postmaster general had a thorough
investigation made and has become sat
isfied that the woman was Obliged to
resign under duress-in fact, that her
life was endangered. Having represent
ed this state OF affairs to the cabinet.
after a discussion the decision above no
ted was reached. and the office win not
be opened until the people in the district
are ready to accept the woman as their
postmaster
It was decided to issue a formal
statement concerning the 1ndianOla
case. Secretary Cortelyou, for the
president made public the following:
.'The postmaster at 1ndianola, Miss,
is Mrs. Minnie NJ. Cox. a colored wo-
man. She served three years as post
master under President Harrison.
When President Mckinley came in she
was again appointed, in 1897, nearly 6
years ago. Her character and stand
ing in the community are indorsed by
the best and most reputable people in
the town
Among those on her bond is the
present Democratic state senator for
the district together with the leading
banker of IndianOla, and an ex-state
senator from the district also a Demo-
crat. The postmaster and her husband
own from $4,000 to $4,000 worth Of
property in Sundower county.
THE report of postoffice inspectors
who have investigated the office from
time to time show that she has given the
utmost satisfaction to all the patrons of
the Office, that she is at all times cOur-
teOus, faithful. competent and honest
in the discharge of her duties. Her
the highest. Her reputation is Of the
best. Few Offices of this grade in any
state are conducted better.
The postmaster recently forwarded
her resignation to take effect on Janu-
airy 1, but the report Of inspectors and
Information received from various repu-
table white citizens Of the town and
neighbOrho0d show that the resignation
was forced by d brutal and lawless ele-
ment purely upon 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
Dostoffice inspector that if she refused
to resign they would not be ansWera ble
for her safety. although at the same
time not cne word was said against
her
"On January the bondsmen Of the
postmaster te1egraphed that the postof-
fee was closed. that the postma ster
claimed that her resignation was in the
presidents hands to take effect January
l. and that there had been no advice Of
the appointment of her successor The
telegram closed with the statement.
Prompt action necessary for relief By
direction of the president the following
was sent TO the bondsmen.
'sThe postmaster's resignation has
been received but not accepted. In view
of the facts the postoffce at IDdianola
is closed All mail for that place will
be forwarded to Greeneville. The case
VIII be referred to the attorney general %