Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1917-03-12
IOWA REPRESENTATIVES, HAVE
NEWS saokta 70 THEM BY
PosrMAsTER GENERAL.
HAueEN MAKES PROTEST;
ri SAYS PLAN WILL MUDDrE
Selection Of Fourth. Class Postnasters
Cited as Failure Of Civil Service Sys.
tom - Majority Of Iowa Delegation
Still in Washnston - Death Makes
Control of-Houss Practically Certain.
Special to Times Republican. Z

Washington, March 12.-Before leav-
congress, Representatives Haugen,
Good and Green were summoned to the
postoffice department by Postmaster
General Burleson and advised of Pres
ident Wilson's plan TO put first second
and third class pos tmasters under the
civil service by executive order. The
other Iowa members have received re-
quests to see the postmaster general
later.
Burleson told the Iowa members that
the president planned TO issue an order
soon placing practically all postmasters
under the civil service and providing
some modified civil service examination
for their appointment. The changes
are to be effective after expiration OF
the commissions of the ineumbents.
The move was explained as one de-
signed to remove all postmasters from
partisan politics, and Burleson assured
the congressman that politics would be
hisregarded in appointments. He said
the postoHice inspectors for the four
classes Of. offices would be equally d.
vided in politics, so that no representa-
tive Of the department would be moved
by political considerations in making
reports on the ability of candidates.
The inspectors recommendations Will
have some weight with the department.
since dt is the plan to have the exam
ming body submit the names OF the
three highest candidates to the post
master general and prcsider>t-for APP
pointment. Burleson also assured the
congressman where there was a con-
test arising from certificatlon Of men
Of equal ability they would be 'opsid-'
cred before appointment was made.
Congressman Haugen frankly oppos-
ed the plan and so advised the post
master general. Politics has influence
ed appointment $of fourth class post
mastess by civil servicce examination,
other congressman allege, and would
play greater part when the bigger
plums came In for distribution.
The presidents plans have not been
officially announced. 1t is said he IS
considering having the civil service ap-
ply to all postmasters in a county ex-
cept the one at the county seat, who
would remain political appointee.,
This plan contemplated having the
smaller postonices in the county vir-
tually branches Of the county seat Of
dce.
Congressman Haugen, Good and
Green are the only Iowa members who
hong for the recess. Mr.,
Hull has not decided whether he shall
go Mr.. Sweet Shas daughter Yin
school in Washington.
The death ofsGongressman Conry, Of
New York, a. democrat, has given the,
republicans a,total Of 215 members in
the new congress % 214 for the demo-
Gratis, with the five Independent mem
bers holding the balance OF power.
Congressman ELECT Martin, Of Chicago,
also was reported seriously III. giving
the democrats a new scare, but he has
since been reported out Of danger.
Some of the democrats want to have
the extra session put OF until Conry's
successor is elected, as with an even
break they believe they can retain con-
troll.
NJ F. Cronin, Congressman Steele's
secretary and assistant clerk Of the
house, is as much interested as any
one else in the question of house con-
troll. His house job depends upon the
outcome Of the Scott Steele contest.
Mr.. Cronin plans to go to Georgia soon
to viA;t Mrs. Cronin's parents. leaving
later for Muscatine to await the re-
converting Of congress.
The government armor plate board
will hold hearing at st. Louis March
IL and IS to permit the cities Of the
middle west contesting for the $11.0OO,-
900 plant to present their claims. Rep.
resentatives Of Muscatine and Clinton
and probably Davenport, are expected
to attend the hearing. 49,