The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1917-07-20
ALL POSTMASTERS ARE NOW
UNDER CIVIL SERVICE

The following editorial squib ap-
peared in the Observer on Tuesday.
The attention of Congressman Doml-
lick was called to it, and he was ask
ed if he had anything to say about
the matter, as the appointment
of postmasters since the democrats
came in power has been largely N
tic hands of the congressman.
Mr.. Dominick IS nome fcr
q few days, having been called
here on account of the illness of his
brother. This being his home toWa
the people are naturally interested IN
what would be done about the post
mastership, at least those who are
not so familiar with the executive or
der of the president, or who may nave
forgotten it. Until the issuance 81
the executive order by the president
the congressman from the South under
a democratic administration did have
some say about the appointments or
pcstmasters in towns the size OF New
berry, but now all are continued IN
Office during good behavior, regard
less. .of when their terms may expire.
The following editorial appeared IN
the observer on Tuesday:
Postmaster Hill's term expires in
August, but there is little heard
about his successor. The community
seems to be satisfied with his admin
istration and his reappointment would
give; very general satisfaction"
In answer to a question from the re-
pe rter of The Herald and News Con-
s,essmaa Dominick said:
"About April President Wilson is
sued an executive order, which he had
a right to do under the lay, placing
all postmaaters in the civil service.
UP to that, time only, fourth class eIs
pGstmasters were in the civil service:
STEder that order and under the rules
ane regulations OF the postmaster gen
easI there will be no changes and no
vacancies in any of the offices, Dut
where there are NJ charges against
the postmasters and where the record
IS good and the service efficient the
rcstmasters of all classes are con-
tinred in Office regardless as %
WI ether the term for which they were
appointed and commissioned had ex-
pired or not. They are in the same
class as R. F. D. carriers. They have
n. definite term of Office, and hold Of
fee until death, resignation or re;
neoval for cause And in the event OF
a vacancy from any of these causes
the vacancy is to be filed by an ex-
animation under the civil service reg
u,ations and the person, whomsoever
he NAV be, who makes the highest
Mark will be recommended for ap-
pcintmene: Mr.. Burlesoa,~ the posi-
master general, says even if a negro
stood the-sSsst examination he would
be appointed. OF course, the ap-
continent would have to have the en-
dorsement of or be confirmed by the
senate.
"IJnder the present order OF the
president and the rules of the post
office department, much to my regret
and the regret and vigorous protest OF
a large majority of the democratic
congressman, including Speaker
rhamn Clark and Democratic Leader
Kitchin, representatives in congress
have nothing whatsoever to DO WITH
the appointments of postmasters. IL
5s probable that some action may De
attempted in December at the regular
session to change conditions but IT
is hardy probable that anything can
no done as the senate favors the civil
s..vice pro .Alons as embodied in the
postohice appropriation bill OF the
64th congress.
"Of course the republican congress'
nen are not interested in either vie"
o. the case, because as all OF US good
democrats are glad to know they have
rad no chance at what is commonly
knewn as the patronage trough" for
the past five years
under present regulations 80 laf
.s have been able to find and my
information goes, practically all the
rstronage has been taken from the
congressman except the clerical force
in his Office, city carriers at third
class postofRces and police jog at
the capital