The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-11-19
HAYS TO EMPLOY
POSTAL SERVICE
TO GET SPOILS
Preference for Ex-Service
Men May be Spirit of Law
But Not Letter, Says
Postmaster General
By HUGH w. ROBERTS
Washington Bureau, The Age Herald

500 Davidson Building.
Washington, November 1S.-(Spe-
cial)-Evidence aeeumulates that
taken a leaf from the book of Senator
Elkins of West Virginia. and that in
stead of "humanizing" the postal
service, he will make 1t means of
securing spoils for republicans. Ell
kins, as is recalled, declared that re-
cent democratic victories were due to
the fact that the administration was
not throwing democrats out of office
prior to the expiration of their
terms.
Before the postoffice and postroads
committee of the Senate in the near
future, the policy of Mr.. Hays in re-
fusing to give preference TO ex-5ol-
diers in making appointments as post
masters will be discussed. The spirit
OF the law is that in competitive ex-
aminations preference shall be given
former service men. Hays declares
that while such might be the spirit of
the law it is not the letter. Demo-
Gratis on the committee, II the ma
jority members hold with Hays, VIII
endeavor to so rectify the law that
there will be no doubt either as to its
spirit or letter.
Senator Fletcher of Florida has in
troduced the situation into the SEN
ate. He read a telegram received by
him from Mayor George R. Lunn of
Schenectady, in which inquiry was
made as to whether or not the law OF
the democratic administration, which
was observed by that administration
had been changed. He judged so be-
= cause of discrimination which he al
legged had been made against an ex-
soldier who applied for the postmas-
tership in Schenectady. Senator
Fletcher read also his reply In which
he informed Mr.. Lunn that the law
had not been changed, hut that 1T
was construed in a manner different
from that in which the former admin
istration had construed it. The Flor
Ida Senator, as IL to illustrate his
meaning, declared that only one man
qualified for a postoffice in Florida.
He was an ex-soldier and was Grip
pied. But he was a democrat. and his
claim was ignored. The Postmaster
General, rather than give the job to
this ex-soldier, ordered another exam
nation, Senator Fletcher said
senator Dldl OIL COulu CdIOllHd III
formed this correspondent this morn
Ing that there were two similar cases
in South Carolina. In one of the
cases an ex-soldier, democrat, made
the highest mark in competitive ex-
animation. HIS appointment is with
held and will not be made, Senator
Dial is certain. Representative Flood
of Virginia some time ago introduced
a resolution in the House calling on
the Postmaster General for informa
ton as to whether or not an ex-serv-
ice man in Virginia had been dis
eliminated against in the Appointment
of rural letter carrier.
Representative Jeffers of Alabama
has carried his case to the Pesident.
but without avail. In Clanton, an ex-
service man made a necessary grade,
but not the highest grade. On ac-
count of the preference which the law
gives him. he was given 9. certificate
commission. Up to the present time
that certificate of preference has been
ignored.
The attitude of the administration
to the men who fought the war
against Germany is not shown solely
in its attitude toward the bonus, dem
ocrats declare. It is shown also in it's
attitude toward the former soldiers
who endeavor to acquire by examina-
lions, position in the postal service.
A SHOW down" is promised.