The Washington herald., 1908-03-22
BLAMED BY WARNER
Baker and Gordon Accused
of PerniciOus Activity.
COMPLAIN TO MR.. BONAPARTE
Declares Department of Justice sub
OrdinnteS Use Official Capacity I'm
Pernicious Activity Against Him.
says Senators Promise 20 Take
Fight Upon Floor of Congress.


Special 10 The Washington Herald
Bcyds. Nd, March Zl-B II. Warner,
aspirant for the nomination tor Congress
from Montgomery County az the primary
election. Is making a remarkable CAM
paign
Warner said this evening. on his way TO
Poolesville, to attend big meeting there,
that he is opposed by most OF the post
masters in the county. government Of
hcials. District Attorney Baker, and by
Peyton Gordon. Of the Department Of
Justice.
Charges Before Bonaparte.
On March ls, in a letter 10 Charles J.
BOnaparte the Attorney General, Warner
fled complaint against Baker and Gordon,
one OF the assistants in the Department
OF Justice. for working against his nom;-
nation. and charges they are absolutely
improper in their pernicious activity
against him.
He says that their Official positions give
their attitude great weight with certain
classes In regard 10 Gordon and his Of
heial capacity he states:
While I have no fear IN certain diree-
tions. and do not feel any restraint be-
cause Of the opposition Of any one. yet
many people vino hold the Department of
Justice in awe are certainly affected in
their freedom OF action by the active
participation Of such officers. whose in
huence is largely created by reason OF
the department they represent"
In regard 10 Mr.. Baker, he says:
When any proceedings are Instituted
by the government in an effort 10 enforce
obedience TO law which are Liable TO affect
unfavOrably the interests Of a large num-
Der Of different parties. they. Tor pruden-
tial reasons. may prefer not TO risk any
possible friction with "A government offi-
Ger who has the right TO prosecute
Reply from Attorney General.
ON March % Warner received a reply
from Bonaporte. stating that Baker and
Gordon were not In the competitive class
ihed civil service. Regarding officers in
the competitive classified civil service, the
PRESIDENTS letter Of Juue-l3. 1872. lays
down the rule that they must not neglect
their duties. must not use their official
authority or influence, and must not give
aid in promoting the success Of any
candidate. party. or faction. or in taxing
part in any political movement
Subject 10 these limitations. continues
Mr. Bonaparte. political activity on the
part Of such officeholders is not held TO be
Inappropriate.
He asks Warner If either Baker or Cor
don have transgressed the terms sof the
Presidents letter. II details are given.
says Mr.. Bonaparte. he will Immediately
call or them for an explanation.
He urges prompt response by Warner,
as Gordon has been ordered 10 special
duty in a distant Western State
In this matter the Attorney General
seems TO think Warner has acted merely
upon the evidence contained IN a news
paper clipping from a Baltimore paper,
not sufficient as grounds for a charge.
Warner Reiterates Complaint.
Warner in letter this afternoon, in
reply to the Attorney General. SAYS:
4 charge. and will sustain by proper
afidavits. that both these gentlemen have.
by seandalous conduct, transgressed both
the spirit ard letter of the Presidents
order"
Mr.. Baker he says. has taken the
trouble 10 hold me up 10 the criticism Of
my fellow-citizens by statements he has
made on public platforms and in private
conversations, with a view OF exciting
prejudice against me
Mr. Gordon" he states. "has partici-
pated heretofore. and this year. in petty
primary contests and elections to such an
extent that his acts have led TO the de-
and degrading of voters in
the State OF Maryland
lie adds that Baker Is frequently away
from his Office most of his time devoted
TO an effort with several other officers.
10 defeat his candidacy in Montgomery
County. II required he says he viii fol-
low with a petition signed by several hun
dred good citizens attesungl 90 the fact
that Baker and Gordon have not only
transgressed personal propriety. bur have
lowered the dignity Of the departments
under which they are employed
Senator'S VIII Take Up Quarrel.
Warner says to your correspondent:
Il am personally and financially respon-
sible for what ! say All I desire is fair
and honest treatment. and that govern
ment officials and postmasters Of Mont
gomery County be required 20 keep their
hands out Of this fight. and cease from
any activity against me-
IF the proper departments 10 not give
heed TO my charges. there are several
prominent United States Senator's who
say they will take up the fight on the
hoor Of the Senate and there thrash the
matter to a successful conclusion
Warner says he has in hand list OF
who viii be proceeded against
If they do not give heed to It, While he
does not desire their votes and recognizes
their right TO vote as they please. he
wishes them TO understand he viii toll
crate no influence against him BY use
Of their Official capacity and what he
says is in violation OF the pest-office rules
and regulations.
Warner has organized the knights
Of the Rising Sur" The purpose of the
is seif-help, development. and
Improvement OF the negro race BY their
own eXertions.
This is exerting a powerful influence in
the county in his campaign.
Thomas Dawson. Of Rockville, who on
posed Warner. has gone TO Boston. He
SAYS he will not return until after the
primaries. April T.
AT the meeting at Poolesville tonight
Warner was unanimously indorsed.