Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-08-14
VIRGINIANSU UPIN ARMS
COMPLAINT OVER RADICAL
CHANGES BY COLLECTOR STUART
Special Dispatch to The Star.

Special Dispatch to The Star.
NEWPORT NEWS, Va, August 14.-Rep-
resentative Harry L. Maynard of the sec
ond Virginia congressional district and At
torney w. E. Barrett, the democratic nom1-
nee for the house of delegates, are in Wash
ington appealing to the civil service COM
mission to Investigate the radical changes
which Collector J. e. B. Stuart is making
In the local customs service
Last week the collector dismissed from
the service four democrats and reduced E.
N. Eubank, deputy collector. and Edloe
Morecock, chief inspector, from their po-
s.tions, paying 81 600 and 81 500 respective
ly, to the offices of Inspector paying 50 per
day. Both of the gentlemen reduced have
served faithfully in their offices for many
years and are regarded here as among the
most competent men in the service. 1t Is
claimed that their reduction Is due entirely
to the fact that they are democrats, al
though Mr. Stuart said that their being
democrats was merely a coincidence
Prominent citizens here have addressed
personal letters to the President calling his
attention to the manner in which the office
of collector Is being administered. Mr.
Stuart began making changes in his office
upon his return from the Roanoke conven-
tion. where 1t is understood that he was in
conference with Slemp, the state republican
leader, and Secretary Shaw.
More Changes Contemplated.
1t is understood that other changes are
to be made, democrats reduced from good
positions to make way for republicans. Mr.
Morecock, who will be reduced on the 10Th
instant, when the changes are to go into
effect, has declared to friends that he will
resign. He says that Mr.. Stuart has made
II unpleasant that he would have re
signed before, but for consideration for
some of his friends, to whom his surrender
might be harmful.
Capt Stuart maintains that business at
this port has fallen off to such extent
that the interests of the government de-
manded a reduction In the force. He has
not explained, however, why he put M. NJ
Vipond a republican, in Mr.. Morecock' s
place at an increased salary and Rufus W.
Powell, a republican, in Mr.. Eubank's place
at an increased salary. Mr. Eubank is at
the head of the Masons In this state and
his friends consider that he has been greatly
humiliated by Capt Stuarts action.
If Capt Stuart was dstasteful to the
court officers as United States marshal of
the eastern district of Virginia, he is even
more SO to the citizens of Newport News
and the men who work under him. 1t has
been only a few years since he ran for
membership on the democratic city execu-
tive committee and upon his defeat for the
office he deserted the ranks of the party
and became a republican.
The son of a great confederate cavalry
leader he stands as typical son OF MS
father" without any of the great qualities
which made that illustrious man beloved of
his people.
The chamber of commerce was only pre-
vented from condemning his actions a few
nights ago and sending committee to
Washington to call for an investigation, by
the fact that a clause In its constitution
prevents 1t from taking part in any po-
ltical matters.
Commissioner Greene, the only member OF
the civil service commission at present In
the city, stated this morning that Represen-
tative Harry Maynard of the second Virginia
district was in the city Saturday and called
at the office to lay before the commission
the alleged violations of the civil service
rules in the Office Of the collector Of Gus
toms of Newport News. The Information
furnished by Mr.. Maynard was substantial
ly the same as Is contained in The Stars
special dispatch from Newport News Com
missioner Greene stated he did not know
anything of the matter himself, but had
referred the charges to an officer of the
commission who would make an investiga
ton.