The weekly tribune and the Cape County herald. (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) 1914-1918, 1914-11-13
Candidate For Postmaster
Says Incumbent Urged Voters
~ To Support Atkins.
FLENTGE'S NOTES GO
TO STONE AND RUSSELL
Postmaster Is Charged With Per-
nicious Activity in Politics
War Is On.

It became known through state
nent issued last night by DIR. j. C..
Vorbeck that the contest for Mr.. Rus
sells Endorsement for Postmaster
would be followed by an effort to re-
move F.. w. Flentge, the present Off
ciaI.
This was given in explanation for
the present campaign by the Demo-
Gratis who are desirous of succeeding
Mr.. Flentge. AS Mr.. Flentge's term
of Office does not expire for about two
years, it was surmised when DIR. Vor-
beck and Thomas ]. Juden first an
nounced that an effort would be made
to remove the Postmaster.
DIR. Vorbeck, in explaining his state
nent. said that Mr.. Flentge had writ
ten letters to voters in this section Of
the state, urging them to support
Thomas J. Atkins for United States
Senator against William J. Stone. A
copy of these letters has been forward
ed to Senator Stone and Congressman
Russell, it was stated, but the name
of the party sending them was not
divulged.
1t became known last night that an
influential Democrat living in Cape
Girardeau filed charges against Mr..
Tie. ..ge with Congressman Russell be-
' fore the primary election, and accord
in gto the reports, Mr.. Russell said he
would take the matter up with the
Postmaster General. These charges
stated that Mr. Flentge had been too
active in politics.
If current reports are true, the man
selected by Congressman Russell to
get the Postmastership will in all pro-
liability take charge Of the Office in a
short time. The Democrats will make
an effort to have Mr.. ,Flentge remov-
ed as soon as Congress convenes,
which WI! be in December.
The CHARGES that will be placed
against him have not been disclosed.
DR.. Vorbeck declined to go into de-
tails concerning the accusations that
the Postmaster will be called upon to
answer.
DR.. Vorbeck's statement follows
81 have been criticized in some quar-
ters for bringing about the Postmas-
tership fioht at this time, and have
answered these criticisms with the fol
lowing explanation:
81 have always been an active party
man, fighting the party's battles at all
times with the true party spirit, al
ways zealously guarding the party's
interest and welfare. ] would have
brought about this fight before the re-
cent election had it not been for my
desire to avoid any disaffection in the
party, which might hav injured Sen
ator Stone, Congressman Russell anC
the rest of the party ticket.
"Actuated by the same motives,
have brought the fight Immediately al
ter the election so as to enable the par
ty to recover from whatever wound.
may have resulted before the mex
general election.
Further reason for waging the
fight at this time is the fact that ont
of the avoid candidates for the ap
pointment has been silently though &c
lively promoting his candidacy since
1912 election. The morning imme
diately after his defeat for count!
Office he became fa active candidat,
for the Postmastership.
"My final reason for bringing thi
appointment to an issue Just now wa
to have it settled before inaugural
ing movement to bring about tn
ro,,,oral Of E. W. Flentge, the presen
Postmaster.
Irrespective of any personal inter
ests and without regard as to hoy
my own candidacy terminates, fee
that nv partys welfare demands thi
course of action.
"His pernicious activity in behal
of Renrblican candidates, and espe
cially his activity in school board an
many other departments of local gov
ernmeut, have been Objectionable t
the people he is suppossd 30 serve, a.