New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-12
HUGHES A TRUST
TOOL,
COmmoner in Statement
Insists Wall st. Backs
Ct. o. p. Nominee.

Kansas City, Mo-, Aug. 11.-William
J. Bryan replied here to-day to criti-
cism of his attitude toward civil SER
vice made by Charles f. Hughes, in q
statement in which he said he had
enforced the civil service law TO the
letter" Mr.. Bryan challenged the
Republican nominee TO state whether
he had given appointments to "deserv-
ing Republicans" while Governor OF
New York.
The statement was made in answer
TO recent speeches of Mr.. Hughes, which
quoted letter Mr.. Bryan had written
to Receiver of Customs Wick in Santo
Domingo. inquiring as TO what posi-
tions could be obtained TO Reward de-
serving Democrats"
Mr.. Bryan confessed having written
the letter as quoted.
81 am not ashamed Of IT," the state
ment read. "The letter was written TO
an appointive officer, whose Office was
not under the civil service, and the in
quiry was made in regard to Offices
which were not under the civil service"
SAYS He Enforced Law.
The statement, after declaring Mr.
Hughes TO have Shown himself quite
prompt in discharging obligations" de-
ciares:
"As an official, enforced the civil
service law to the letter, and upon my
resignation received from the en-
ployes in the State Department. more
than 90 per cent of whom were under
the civil service, watch which l prize
as a priceless treasure. But while l
observed the civil service law wher-
ever it was in force, / felt myself free
10 aid in rewording deserving Demo-
Gratis wherever it could be done with
out detriment TO the service.
"The deserving Democrat is not TO
be despised-he is as much entitled TO
recognition as a deserving Republi-
cam
when he was candidate for Gov
ernor Mr.. Hughes received the sup
I
he generously repaid the debt by veto
ing the two-cent passenger rate bill.
He does not describe that as shameful.
When a candidate for Governor he re-
ceived the support of the New York
tax dodgers, the owners of swollen
fortunes and he paid his debt by
sending a message to the Legislature
protesting against the income tax
amendment to the Federal Constitu-
ton. He does not describe that as
shameful.
Aiding Corporations, He Says.
"He is now being supported by the
railroads of the United States, and he
expects to pay them back by aiding
them to escape state legislation and
find a haven of security in exclusive
Federal control; he is being supported
by the shipping trust, and expects 10
pay them back by helping them 10
prevent government competition.
"He is supported by the trust mag
mates, and expects TO pay them back
by shielding them from punishment Tor
the extortion which they. desire 10
practise; he is supported by Wall
Street, and expects TO pay them PACK
by spending American blood and
sSuandering money raised by taxation
in order to guarantee profits on spec
ulative investments.
"And yet, with the record which. ne
has made in paying his political obliga,,
tions at the expense of the public and
with the pledges his speeches contain
TO those who are now aiding his am
billions, he has the impudence to hold
IN for criticism a legitimate efort 10
reward competent men for the service
which they have rendered to the cause
Of rnfnrn1"