New-York tribune., 1904-10-18
R. S. RODIE DISMISSED.
THE PRESIDENT ACTS.
Steps Taken TO1card RemOUaL of
DumOnt and Barrett.
[FRoM THE TRIBUNE BUREAU. |


Washington. oct. 1.-THE President to-day
removed Robert s. Rode. supervising inspector
of the Second District, under whose supervision
the inspection of the steamboats, in NewYorN
waters was conducted. In addition to this, the
two local inspectors. Dumont and Barrett. We're
asked by the Department of Commerce and La
Dor TO show cause why they should not be dis
missed from the service. They are both in the
classified service, and under the operations Of
the Civil Service law cannot be removed with
out having an opportunity to reply TO charges
preferred against them. The questions asked
OF Dumont and Barrett are based on the find
ings OF the federal commission. made public this
morning. and. In accordance with the law, il
they are not satisfactorily answered within a
reasonable time the inspectors dismissal will
follow
This prompt and decisive action on the part OF
the administration with regard 10 the report Of
the commission appointed to investigate the
General Slocum disaster indicates "a deterrnina-
tion to deal summarily with all found guilty OF
laXity OF neglect ia the disen&rge Of their duties
and to hold government officials generally 10 a
strict accountability for the faithful performance
of the work intruste1 10 them.
The Secretary Of Commerce and Labor has
also In accordance with the Presidents order
called "A special meeting of the Board of Super
yising Inspectors to be held in this city on Oc-
tober -. The board will be directed to consider
such changes in the regulations and orders gov
erning steamboat inspection the recent dis
aster 10 the Slocum and the report OF the com
mission show TO he absolutely Imperative i'm
order to Insure the maximum Of safety 70 ex-
cursionists and the travelling public generally.
The deliberations of the board viii be Of high
ly important character, 1t is expected that the
rlen OF practical experience composing it's mem
bership will be able To make such recommenda-
tons regarding changes in existing regulations
as will enable the Secretary materially 10 i'm
prove the steamboat inspection service notwith-
standing the limited force at his command
The aggregate length of service of the three
inspectors who are accused Of laxity and neg
lect I'm performing their duties amounts TO
hfty-six years. They regarded as ex-
perienced. conscientious officials, and their pub
lie censure followed so closely by the removal
of Rodie and the probable dismissal of the other
two. VIII. II is believed here. have a most salu-
tary effect the service. The supervising in
spectOr Robert S Rode. was appointed assist
ant inspector of boilers in 1891: was made a
special inspector of foreign steam vessels In the
year: became the local Inspector OF boilers
at Albany in 1898; entered on his present duties
as temporary appointment in 1901 and later
| In the same year his appointment made
permanent II was not known to President
Roosevent until late to-day that Rodie held a
Presidential Office. 1t was supposed by the
President when he wrote his letter 70 Score
tary Metcalf the Slocum report that Rodie
was an appontee OF the Secretary of Commerce
and Labor. For that reason he directed the
Secretary in that letter to take steps for the re-
moval of Rode. DumOnt and Barrett AS soon
as he learned that Rode held . Presidential
office he directed that removal papers be sent
TO him at once from the Department Of Com
merce and Labor. He signed them, and Rodie
viii be informed by the department that he has
been removed.
James a. DumOnt, now an inspector of huIIs
has been in the service nearly twenty-eight
years He was appointed supervising inspector
general in 1876. and resigned in 1903 to accent
his present place Thomas II. Barrett has been
inspector OF boilers since 1889