The Washington times., 1918-09-02
6. O.P. MAKES ISSUE
OF APPOINTMENTS

Republicans are preparing to make
one of their issues in the campaign
the manner of the appointment Of
postnasters, who are supposed to be
under civil service. d
The Republicans charge that the
Postoffice Department is in fact ap-
pointing postmasters under political
system and that the talk OF civil
service is camoufiage.
One OF the evidences they present Is
the recent sending to the Senate OF
a list Of about 1000 presidential post
masters, most Of them Democrats,
who have been resppointed without
civil service examinations.
ReappoIntments Made.
1t appears that the Postoffice De-
partment, when It comes to appoint
ing the successor to a postmaster
whose service is not Objectionable
gives him q reappointment for an In
definite period. The Republicans say
this simply results in the retention
OF observing Democrats" in office in
definitely. Civil service examinations
are had in case OF q vacancy in the
onLiee, II the postmaster does not want
to continue, or If he is found incom-
petent or united for his office.
Senator Poindexter OF washington
has been trying for long time to
get the civil service applied by law
TO all postmasters. He holds that this
TouId prevent the Postmaster Gen
nj from exercising his discretion
out whether politics should enter
bostoffice contest.
Senator Poindexter tried to get a
civil service amendment put on the
last postoffice appropriation bill, but
IL went out on a point of order. once
before he got the proposition adopted
by the Senate but II was Knocked out
in conference. Senator Poindexter
wants civil service for postmasters
written into the law, so 1t viii be
mandatory and so that the highest on
the list of those examined schall be
named, regardless of politics. Much
Democratic opposition exists to this
c. o. p. Charges
Republicans say that as to fourth
class postmasters, the principles of
civil service are openly disregarded
in making appointments. The civil
service commission certihes three ell
gibles to the Postmaster General.
The Democratic referee OF patronage
over the office involved is consulted.
The selection is made in accordance
with his wishes.
1t has been an open secret about
Washington for years that II there
are two Republicans and one Demo-
crat eligible or two Democrats and
one Republican eligible. the appoint
ment will go to Democratic hands.
All Of which the Republicans don't
like and they avow they don't intend
TO sit silent and see Democratic post
masters perpetuated in office when
the country is being given to under
stand that the civil service system Is
being applied
Other Instance.
That the Post office Department in
: some cases Of presidential appoint
: ments adheres- strietIysto the styl
service system Is known on the other
hand. This was illustrated IN case
at Mt. Vernon, State OF Washington.
C. ]. Boughter got a rating Of IS and
over in the examination. Another
candidate, a special friend OF the Vice
President sought the appointment.
He was rated one-tenth of one per-
cent lower. After the Vice President
interceded for his friend, Assistant
Postmaster General Koons wrote q
letter to the Vice President saying he
would have to name the highest man
under orders from the President.
3 Vice President Marshall appealed to
President Wilson and the latter Off
cial sustained Rooms Boughter's
name has been sent to the Senate.