The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-01-03
Capable ColOred Woman Who Served
at IndianOla, Miss, Under Three
Administrations.
CONSIDERED BY THE CABINET
AND THE OFFICE DECLARED CLOSED
BY PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT.
Statement by Secretary COrtelyOu-
Report of the Inspector, Who
Urged Prompt Action.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 1.-The feature of
the Cabinet meeting to-day was the de-
cision to close permanently the postoffice
at Indiarola, Miss, from which the post
master, Minnie M. Cox, colored, resigned
under compulsion a few days ago. since
which time the office has been closed. The
bondsmen have 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 has had thorough investigation
made, and has become satisfied that the
woman obliged to resign under duress
lin fact, that her life was endangered.
Having presented this state of affairs to
the Cabinet, after a long discussion the de-
cision above noted was reached, and the
office will not be reopened until the people
in the district are ready to accept this
woman their postmaster.
During the afternoon the President dis
cussed with several members of the Cab
met other features of the case, Postmaster
General Payne being in conference with the
President for an hour or more. 1t was de-
cided finally to issue formal statement
concerning the Indianola case. Secretary
Cortelyou, for the President, made public
the following:
1.-The postmaster at Indianola, Miss, is
Mrs. Minnie W. Cox, colored woman. She
served three years as postmaster under
President Harrison. When President Nc
Kinley came in she was again appointed in
1897, nearly six years ago. Her character
and standing in the community are In
dorsed by the best and most reputable peo-
pie 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 sem
ator from the district, also a Democrat
The postmaster and her husband own from
$4,000 to $4,000 worth of property in Sun
flower county. The reports of postoffice in
spectors 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 moral
standing in the community is of the high
est. Her reputation is of the best Few
offices of this grade in any State are con-
Quoted better.
1.-The postmaster recently forwarded her
resignation to take effect on Jan. 1. but
the report of inspectors and information
received from various reputable white cit
liens of the town and neighborhood show
that the resignation was forced by brutal
ground of her color and was obtained un-
der terror of threats. The mayor of the
town and the sheriff OF the county both
told the postoffice inspector that If She re-
fused to resign they could not be answer
able for her safety, although at the same
time not one word was said against her
On JAM the bondsmen OF the postmaster
| telegraphed that the postoffice was closed,
| that the postmaster claimed that her resig-
nation was in the Presidents hands to
| take effect Jan. 1 and that there had been
| no advice of the appointment of-her sue
| cessor. The telegram closed with the
| statement: Prompt action by the Presi-
| dent-necessary for the relief of the bust
ness interests. which are being injured
solely by the action of the lawless element
| of the town-is wholly secondary to the
preservation of law and order and the
assertion of the fundamental principle that
this government will not connive at or
| tolerate wrong and outrage of such fla
grant character
"By direction of the President the fol-
| lowing was sent to the bondsmen: The
postmaster's resignation has been received,
| but not accepted. In view of the facts the
| postoffice at Indianola Is closed. All mail
| for that place will be forwarded to Green
| VILE The case will be referred to the at
1 torney general