Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-06-21
DEMOTION IS HIS REWARD
MAI. JAS. E. BELL TO BE TRANS
FERRED FROM POST OFFICE.
Has Served Efficiently for Forty-Two
Years-Mr. Barnes Declines
to Explain.

Maj. James E. Bell, for the past forty-two
years official of the Washington city
post office, and for most of that period
superintendent Of city delivery, will be de-
NOTED July l and transferred to one of the
substations. probably branch A. in George
town. City Postmaster Benjamin F. Barnes
is understood to have reached a decision to
that effect, and also to have selected Maj.
Bells successor. But he won't say any
thing about it.
The time is not yet ripe to discuss this
matter Mr. Barnes told Star reporter
today, when asked for his reasons for re-
moving Maj. Bell superintendent of de-
livery, a position which, according to the
unanimous opinion Of local business men,
he has filled with credit to himself and to
the post Office.
Barnes Declines to Explain.
NO." Mr.. Barnes added. II couldn't pos
sibly say anything about it. AS I say, the
time isn't ripe, and then 1 wouldn't think
of giving the news to one paper and not
all the others. Why, it wouldn't be fair"
Maj. Bell likewise declined to discuss
the matter. He inquired as to what Mr..
Barnes had told the reporter, and upon be-
ing informed that the city postmaster had
declined to go into details remarked that
he would have to take the same view OF
the case. .
II simply cannot say word either way,
the MAJOR replied.
But everybody in the city post ONCE SEEM
ed to know that Mr.. Barnes had deter
mined to remove Maj. Bell from his present
position. All of the majors friends-and In
the city post office particularly they are
legion-are blue as indigo and anxious to
explain the cause. For several weeks there
has been an active rumor in circulation that
Mr. Barnes had decided to reward Maj
Bells forty-two years of efficient service
and pay tribute to his popularity in the post
office the department and with the rank
and file of local business men oy demotlon
and transfer. 49,.
At first it was understood that he was to
go to station G, on G street between 9th
and 7th. the largest branch in the city, but
now although nothing official has been
promulgated, it is generally believed that
he will be put in charge of the Georgetown
branch which is one of the smaller of the
outside offices.
Means Reduction in Salary.
Mai Bell now receives a salary of s., 700
year. 1t is understood that the demotion
will reduce that amount by at least $500
year.
During the past few months Mr.. Barnes
has made a number of changes in the force
under his direction, for which he has been
more or less severely criticized. But in this
case of Maj. Bell no one has yet been
found who can suggest even reasonably
plausible excuse for Mr. Barnes contem-
plated action. Maj. Bell Is, according to
business men, big and little, of the city, an
entirely efficient superintendent of delivery.
He has long been connected with the Dis
trlct of Columbia militia, holding commits
sion Inspector general of rifle practice,
and is conceded to be one Of the most
efficient and popular officers of the citizen
soldiery of the national capital.