The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1922-09-01
AWAITS FILING OF CHARGES
Makes Demands in Letter to
Head of Department.
Was Candidate for the Office in
Recent Primary.

AS an aftermath OF the red hot
fight for Republican nomination for
state superintendent of insurance. it
was announced today that Frank L.
Travis had directed an employe in his
office to discharge Charles F. Hobbs,
actuary. Hobbs. who was a candidate
for the nomination has been notified
by a lady clerk in the office that
Travis left word directing his dis
chcrge. Hobbs has refused to quit
under the circumstances.
Several days ago Hobbs returned
from n vacation. He was then noti-
fled by clerk that Travis had left
word for him TO surrender his post
as actuary. He Indicated a tendency
to let Travis do the ousting himself.
Then, 1t seems. the head of the de-
partment was notified and Travis sent
n second notice to a third party to
remove Hobbs from service.
VIII Meet Any Charges.
In a letter which Hobbs today sent
to Travis he states that his office is
under civil service and demands that
Travis either make his demands for
removal in person or file charges with
the commission. If charges are filed,
Hobbs asserts he will meet them. He
stated he has performed no greater
offense than seek nomination for the
office from which Travis will retire
in February.
Hobbs Letter to Travis.
In a letter sent to the state super
intendent Of insurance today, Hobbs
said:
Mr.. Frank l.. Travis, Superintendent Of
Insurance, City.
Sir: l have been advised by your as
sistant, Miss Sheppard, that you have di-
rected her to notify me that my services
either ns nctuary otherwise. in your de-
partment are NO longer desired. Why you
left this word with your lady assistant and
left town, only you yourself know. You
have had every opportunity to talk with
me about it personally. Whether or not
you will. when you return, stand by the
action that Miss Sheppard has taken, or
will deny It and shift the burden on to
her, remains to be seen.
So far as l know, my services have al
ways been satisfactory and you have made
no complaint regarding them. 1 can
Imagine no reason why you should have
taken the action which you did for any
reason other than that ! was a candidate
for nomination for the office of Superin-
tendent Of Insurance.
As you know, my position is covered by
the civil service statutes OF the state.
Those statutes provide that mo removal
from the classified civil service shall be
made by any appointing Officer-except
for reasons given in writing to the COM
mission and copy Of such reasons shall
be given to the person removed.
"Such person may thereupOn file with the
commission I'm writing any proper answer
to such reasons and shall not be removed
moval"
The statutes also provide that ANY per-
sou who shall wilfully violate any
Of the provisions of this act shall
forfeit such office or position"
Nonr action in my case seems to be n
violation of these statutes and it is diff
cult to see why you have not subjected
yourself to a forfeiture of your office.
Since your attempted action is in viola
ton of the statutes, ! shall disregard it,
and this Is to notify you that l told myself
ready TO perform all Of the duties of my
office. II you desire to file charges against
me with the civil service commission, / am
perfectly rendy to meet them.
do not do this because l desire to re-
tain my position contrary to your wishes,
because do. not, but do not feel that l
should submit to this action of yours with
out protest. II you will notify ME in
writing that you have rescinded your ac-
tiOn and that I nm actuary of the depart
ment I'm good standing. ] will then be will
ing to tender my resignation TO take effect
whenever you may desire.
Yours truly,
CHAS. F. HOBBS.