The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-12-24
.RUMORS ABOUT P 0.
FREELY DISCUSSED
No Shortage Whatever in the
PoStmaSter'S Accounts
POSTMASTER HUGHES TALK
Makes Plain Statement Regarding Re-
cent Rumors-J. 3. Cobbs Also
Talks-Referee Thompson
Says He Is Not Informed.

Rumors have been in circulation for
several days past that Postmaster ].
w. Hughes is to be removed and a sue
cessor appointed within the next few
weeks.
1t seems that tho charges before the
postoffice department in Washington are
to the effect that certain checks have
been cashed by the postmaster out of
government funds. All Of the checks.
however, were cashed on presentation at
the banks on which they were drawn.
Although rumor may have been to the
contrary, there has been no shortage
whatever In the Birmingham postoffice.
1t is said that when an inspector exam
ined the Birmingham postoffice In Oc-
tober he found checks of certain indi-
viduals which had been cashed by Post
master Hughes; that the inspector pre-
scented these checks at the banks and
that they were duly honored. The largest
of these checks is said to have been for
1890
1t was reported that when the matter
was brought to the attention Of the Off
Presidents referees in Alabama were
asked to recommend a man for DR..
Hughes place. But 1t was further under
stood that upon consideration the de-
partment decided to take no final action
until after the holidays, when Postmaster
Hughes will be accorded a hearing.
Postmaster Hughes Statement.
When called upon yesterday afternoon
Postmaster Hughes gave out the follow
ing statement:
I'm reference to the rumors regarding
myself and in explanation of the charges
being circulated, l desire to state that
when an examination was made some
weeks ago, about the middle of last Oc-
tober, by the postoffice inspector, there
were several checks found in my cash
made by responsible parties, which were
promptly paid. There is no shortage in
this office now, nor has there been any
shortage as shown by the inspectors re-
port. 1 have received no communication
from the postoffice authorities at Wash
ington in any way charging me with
any financial Irregularities whatever"
- DOHuSHldnS statement
Mr.. ]. B. Cobbs, one of Postmaster
Hughes bondsmen made the following
statement:
Il am one of DR.. Hughes bondsmen and
am acquainted with the statements which
are being circulated. 1 know that Dr.
Hughes is not short in his accounts. If
so, would have been promptly notified
His accounts were examined in October,
Sc that sufficient time has elapsed If
there had been found any shortage then
or even since for me to have heard from
it. The efficient services and the excel
lent manner in which he has conducted
the affairs of his office should be a suf-
ficient guarantce that The public will deal
fairly with Dr. Hughes"
Referee Thompson Talks.
Internal Revenue Collector Joseph o.
Thompson, one of the Presidents ref
erees who returned from visit to Tus-
kegee at a late hour last night, was seen
regarding the reports that are current
about the Birmingham postoffce, but he
declined positively to discuss the matter.
Il have just returned from a trip to the
country" said Mr.. Thompson, land know
nothing whatever about the reports con-
corning the postoffice matters. I am not
informed about the business of the Bir-
mingham post office, and furthermore /
will say that l have no direct or indirect
connection with any federal office in Ala
bama, with the exception of the internal
revenue"
Ibid you hear anything concerning any
trouble brewing In Birmingham postoffce
circles before you left Birmingham was
asked Mr.. Thompson.
mo, l have nothing to do with the
Birmingham postoffice."
Have you as one of the referees, re-
ceived any notice relative to recommend
ing a successor to DIR. Hughes?'
Il have not" said Mr.. Thompson. THE
question of recommending an applicant
for any office Is not usually called for