Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-16
THE DISMISSAL OF HUGHES
REASONS ANNOUNCED BY THE
POST OFFICE DEPARTMENT.
Two Special Agents Made Damaging
Reports Against the Postmaster
at Columbia, Tenn.

Because of various statements printed in
newspapers as to why Postmaster Hughes
OF Columbia, Tenn, has been removed from
his office-Mr. Hughes claiming that 1t was
done because he is not In favor of a third
term for, President Roosevelt-a statement
has been given out at the White House. 1t
IS the memorandum upon which the Presi-
dent acted in appointing John w. Jackson
I'm place of Mr.. Hughes. The memorandum
was prepared by the Post Office Depart
ment, and is as follows:
In accordance with the Instructions of
the President, Postmaster A. NJ Hughes
Of Columbia, whose removal has been
recommended for neglect of duty, was
given hearing before the Postmaster Gen.
eral on April "a last. AS Mr.. Hughes in
that interview denied the correctness of the
report of the special agent of the depart
ment, on which the recommendation for his
removal was based. it was decided to re-
open the case and have a further investi-
CATION. Another special agent who had
not previously visited Columbia was accord
ingly sent there with Instructions to make
q thorough canvass of the situation and re-
port on the question at issue. namely. as to
whether or not Mr.. Hughes had been faith
full to his duties as postmaster. The spe-
eial agent detailed for this purpose, Mr.. G.
q. Thomson, appears to have made a most
thorough investigation, interviewing not
only the various employees Of the post office.
but large percentage OF its patrons. As
result of this inquiry Mr.. Thomson reaf-
Arms the findings of the first report and re-
news the recommendation for the postmas-
ter's removal. In concluding his report on
the postmaster he says:
To briefly sum up the situation, found
that Col Hughes unquestionably had made
false statements to the department, and
that he has been utterly unfafthful to his
duties postmaster. | am thoroughly con-
WINGED that the best interests of the gov
eminent demand his removal from Office II
Is entirely manifest to me that Col. Hughes
regards his position of postmaster as q
sinecure. pure and simple. a species of pen-
sion. and a reward for past alleged political
activities He appears to have the impress
sion that work should not be required of
him. Furthermore found that the people
In Columbia, the patrons of the office. do
not want Col. Hughes as postmaster
Special Agent Thomson also made a
careful inquiry regarding the character and
ability OF Assistant Postmaster John w.
Jackson, whose appointment to succeed Mr..
Hughes the department recommended. AS
speaks In high terms OF Mr.. Jackson
reaching the conclusion that probably o.
per cent of the patrons of the office are in
favor of his appointment. Regarding Mr..
jackson the special agent says:
/" Considering his excellent reputation,
his manifest knowledge OF all details con-
nected with the post office. and the excel
lent condition of the office q could not find
office itselO, / am OF the decided opinion
that Mr.. Jackson Is a man well fitted for
the position OF postmaster at that place.
1T would appear that from the time of
his appointment as assistant postmaster
over four years ago Mr.. Jackson has act
ually conducted the office, being entitled to
full credit for the excellent service rendered
There would seem to be no reason why a
commission should not be Issued to him as
postmaster in accordance with the depart
ments recommendation"