Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-04-23
TO MAKE P. 0: CHANGES
FOR GOOD Of SERVICE
Postmaster General Declares
That REIMBURSEMENT of Entire
Force Will Come in Time.

While deploring Sensational publicity
given to his proposed action in making
changes in the personnel of the official
line of the Post Office Department, Post
master General Burleson declared today
unequivocally that sooner or later there
would be change all along the line
and that for the good of the service there
would be readjustment of the force
The immediate cause for the declara-
ton was the published story that there
was to be a sweeping reorganization Of
the railway mail service.
The Postmaster General said he had
not yet taken UP that service, but
would do SO in time. He could not
say at this time. therefore. precisely
what would be DONE
Clean Sweep Anticipated.
His declaration is construed by hold
over officials to mean a clean-sweep
sooner or later. and probably with the
big event July 1, when the appropria-
tons for the new fiscal year become
available
1t is not believed the disturbance will
reach below the chiefs of division and
superintendents in the branches of the
department. although by some the Post
master Generals meaning is taken to be
that he will not hesitate even at the
clerical grades If he feels the service
can be improved and made more efficient.
The legislative. executive and judicial
appropriation bill passed August %, 1912
contains clause which reads as follows
That no person in the classified serv-
ice of the United States shall be remov-
ed therefrom, except for such cause that
It'll 1osn <f.
ice, and for reasons given in writing, and
the person whose removal is sought shall
have notice of the same and Of any
charges preferred against him and be
furnished with copy, thereof, and also
be allowed a reasonable time for person
ally answering the same in writing and
aff1davits in support thereof
No construction II is said, has yet been
put upon this new law by any court or
legal officer Of the United States. There
seems to be an opinion that il the law is
disregarded or evaded the appeal will be
up to the civil service commission. But
as to that there is no certainty as yet
Discretionary With Officer.
But no examination Of witnesses nor
any trial or hearing shall be required
except in the discretion of the officer
making the removal: and copies of
charges, notice Of hearing, answer, rea-
son for removal and of the order of re-
moval shall be made part of the rec
ords of the proper department or office. as
shall also the reasons for reduction in
rank or compensation. and copies of the
same shall be furnished to the person
affected upon request and the civil service
commission shall. upon request. be fur
n,shed copies of the same
1t Is said Mr. Burleson Is proceeding
carefully in what he does and that he IL
in close touch with Civil Service Com
missioner McIlhenny. Each of the bureaus
and divisions of the department will be
Investigated. probably under the Post
master Generals original decision to take
a survey OF the conditions in the depart
ment, and upon the reports OF such in
designations. 1t is said. will depend the
action to be taken by the Postmaster
General.