Los Angeles herald., 1910-02-27
TAFT ORDER ENDS
FLINT'S SERVICE
RETIRING POSTMASTER TELLS
WHY HE RESIGNED
Employees Part with Former Chief and
Promise Loyalty to Successor,
William H. Harrison-Dish-
man Named Assistant

The parting of Motley H. Flint, re-
tiring postmaster of Los Angeles, with
William H. Harrison, his trusted and
valued assistant for several years
and who is to be his successor, before
an audience of 800 postal employees
assembled at Hamburger's cafe-ban-
quet hall last night to wish godspeed
to the one and promise loyalty to the
other, could be likened unto the part
ing Of Damon and Pythias. Such an
exhibition of intimate, trusted friend
ship is seldom observed in public life
but its genuineness could not be mis-
taken, for every man and woman there
knew of its existence, and all present
had aided and abetted it.
One feature not given place in the
program of speeches was the official
announcement by the new postmaster
that Edward F. Dishman, formerly
chief of police and the under sheriff
of Los Angeles county, would be his
assistant. Postmaster Flint's resigna-
ton has been accepted and his sue
cessor expects to take Office Tuesday
morning. Assistant Postmaster Dish
man Will accompany him into office.
Flint Gives His Reasons
While there were many burdened
women
employees of the postoffice department.
nothing Of sadness was noted in the
appearance or actions of Flint. He
was as a boy released from his studies
for long vacation. Tremors did not
appear in his voice until the last word
was in the making. With his successor
1t was different. Happy at the realiza-
tlon OF his sx-year-old ambition, Har-
rlson did not seek to hide the emotion
he experienced in being separated from
the man who has been his closest
friend, and who was responsible for
the realization of his dream.
In his "au reVoir' to his successor
and the employees whose loyalty as
sisted him in his successes, Postmaster
Flint said things which might be con-
strued a slap at the Taft administra-
ton. He told his associates that the
reason he resigned was because he felt
ne no longer was or could be of SER
vice to them. He gave as the reason
for his inability to help them Presi-
dent TaftS famous general order, is
sued November 26 last, which brought
on the -Ballinger- CLAWS up-
heaval, and forbid the seeking or Civ.
ing of information by federal employees,
or the seeking of beneficial legislation
or appropriations.
= This might have been news to many.
but F'lint's friends knew weeks ago
that he felt that his days of usefulness
ended with that order. However, the
postmaster declared that his services
were still at the command of the pos
tai employees.
Some day I hope that I, or some
body else equally well posted to your
needs, will be in the hall of congress
to wage your battles" he said. "The
recognition of this branch of the fed
eral government cannot go much longer
without needed reforms being carried
out. / have been in all branches of the
postal service, and no one knows bet
ter than I what Legislation is needed"
The retiring postmaster found time
to fling shaGS of criticism at the maga-
zines and periodicals which are fighting
proposed legislation increasing the
rates of postage. He declared these
should be compelled to pay rates in
proportion with other mail. Also, he
rebuked the railroad lobby which is
seeking to increase the rates for carry
ing mail. IT was his opinion that the
rates should be reduced.
Chooses His Successor
IF these things were equalized and
the railroads and express companies
which are practically owned by the
railroads were compelled to reduce
their rates, and the magazines and
periodicals required to pay more, there.
would be no question Of the legislation
you need to obtain better salaries and
shorter hours" he declared.
For the rural mail service he had
only a good word.
"In turning over the reins I want
you to know that 1 choose my sue
cessor," said Flint. II want to as
sumo the responsibility IL he fails. 1