Tombstone epitaph., 1921-09-04
POSTMASTER HAWKINS
ASKED TO RESIGN

ASKED TO RESIGN DOUGLAS. Apg. si-M. c. Han- kins. postmaster of Douglas for the past five years. was asked for his res ignation in a telegram from First As sistant Postmaster Work yesterday afternoon. Although it was generally known in Douglas during the last few weeks that charges had been prefer red against Hankins and an investi. gation fade by an inspector, no one took the matter seriously because of the utter absurdity of them. The in speotor who made the investigation told several citizens that so far as he could learn, the charges of immortal ity were without foundation and in re- gards to inefficiency he is quoted as saying that the books at the Douglas postoffice were in excellent shape.
 Aceusers Unknown
 Just who preferred the charges. Hankins nor his friends could not learn from the inspector who was un- able to make public the signatures oa the complaint. Whether it was spite work on the part of some one who h.. lAl ur;a .;,,=v Hankins or whether it was the work of some one who had designs on the office, can only be conjectured. Han- kins said yesterday.
 If my resignation is all that they wanted they could have had it for the asking" he said ..I am willing % take my chances politically. but to have my reputation attacked seems al most unbearable. The fact that inef- ficiency was included in the charges does not hurt me. I gave the bes: that was in me and that is all tha. any man can do, and if was ineffi- cient, and all of my friends deny it, do not consider it a disgrace. But once a mans character is attacke ], even should the accuser retreat his accusations in full. there are always some people who will refuse to change their opinion. They will assert that the accuser was bought off or that pressure was brought to bear on him by powerful interests or friends.
 Will Ask Public Probe
 Tt is imperative that I give up the office as the telegram requests, but will demand full investigation. want all the charges pregerred agains; me probed in public. l know that have nothing to fear and welcome the fullest publicity on the investigation,
 The charges. as near as could be
 
 kins was arrested in a raid on a room ing house some time ago, and that the charges were sqaelched. The police man. it was alleged. was discharge, through efforts of Postmaster Han kins.
 The police officer who is alleged to have conducted the raid and the chief of police were interviewed and both deny that raid was made or the ho. tel in question. The discharged off cer admitted that he was let out by the chief several months later. but for being intoxicated in Agua Prieta.
 The TeIesrams
 I'oiloning is the telegram received by Postmaster Hankins:
 Your removal recawmended and acting postmaster will be appointed September ]. Your resignation will be accepted if wired immediately. WORK, First Assistant Postmaster. !"
 Mir. Hankins sent the following tele- grap in reply:
 Charges filed against ne untrue and unproven and so stated by in- spector Nelson, making investigation Request for my resignation unwar- ranted and unjust. I ask full irvesti- gation of charges before action is taken. M C. HAWKINS"