New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-09
DECLARE HUGHES
CHARGES FALSE
Administration Officials
Deny Politics in Office
Changes.
by Underwood & Underwood.

Washington, Aug. Statements
made by Charles f. Hughes. Republi-
can nominee for the Presidency, in
speeches at Detroit yesterday, were
characterized as false as to the facts
and of misleading substance" in tele-
grams sent by Administration officials
tonight, after long discussion by
President Wilson and his Cabinet. The
charges related to changes in the Coast
and Geodetic Survey and the Census
Bureau.
Secretary Redfeld, in Binghamton,
n. Y, telegraphed to Secretary Tumul-
ty denying the charges made by Mr..
Hughes and later sent similar tele-
gram to Mr.. Hughes. Edwin +. Sweet,
Acting Secretary of Commerce in Mr..
Redfeld's absence, also telegraphed Mr.
Hughes a detailed refutation of the
charges.
Dir. Hughes cited the retirement of
E. Dana Durand as Director of the Cen
sus and the appointment of William j..
Harris in his place, and the replace
ment of .. II. Tittman as head OF the
Coast and Geodetic Survey by DR.. b.
Lester Jones.
Redfield Denies Charges.
statement of Hughes respecting ap-
pointments Census and Coast Survey IN
Detroit false as to facts and Of mis-
leading substance" said Mr. Redilelds
telegram. "You may say from me
Durand of Census retired voluntarily;
was not removed or retired. | recon-
mended him to present employment.
Harris succession was not political.
Made fine record and promoted Trade
Commissioner for merit
"Tittman. Coast Survey, retired vol
UNFAIRLY after my refusing one resiG-
nation. Jones, his successor, promoted
for meritorious work as Deputy Com
missioner Fisheries. Has made won
derful record installing new life into
service"
In his telegram to Mr.. Hughes, Act
ing Secretary Sweet quotes the candi-
dates statements and says:
"Dr. Tittmans action was entirely
voluntary, and was not the result of
any request or suggestion of the de-
partment, direct or indirect.
Defends Jones as Executive.
"You refer to L. Lester Jones, his
successor, as a stock breeder and vet
Urinary surgeon. At one time he had a
farm in Virginia on which he raised
stock. This was sold some time before
he entered the government service. He
never was veterinary surgeon. He is
gentleman of education and refine
ment. Before his appointment TO sue
coed Or. Tttman he was Deputy Com
missioner of Fisheries, and displayed
administrative talent of such high or
der that ne was deemed by both the
Secretary and myself worthy of recon-
mendation to fill the vacancy in the
Coast and Geodetic Survey. In our
Judgment this bureau was we'll
equipped from the scientific stand
point, but stood in great need Of man
of executive ability 10 direct and or
ganize its work.
Since the appointment OF Mr.. Jones
the wire-drag work on both the A.
lantic and Pacific coasts and the coast
survey and all other work Of the bureau
have been developed and prosecuted
with marked vigor and success"
Mr.. Sweet denies Mr. Hughes's asser-
tions as TO evasions of the civil service
law, and declares:
The fact Is that during the entire
incumbency of Mr.. Jones not a single
appointment has been made in this bu-
reau in opposition to the advice Of the
Civil Service Commission"