Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1928-04-06
Postmaster Laid Death To Forced
GO. p. Gifts.

SuoA6Co that thC RcpuDhCdu pdIty OK
acted donations from him that had driven
him in debt and that they are still claim
ing more" were made by l. L. Peterson,
Democratic postmaster at Douglas. Ca, for
more than twelve years, in a letter writ
ten shortly before he shot and killed one
Of his clerks and committed suicide Sun
day The shooting took place Just after
Peterson had been relieved of the post
by recently appointed successor.
Peterson, who received an annual salary
Of $4,000. said that these contributions
amounted to more than $4,000 over five
years and indicated they had been de-
manded in return for patronage under
which he was permitted TO retain his
position.
His letter. addressed to his brother, j.
II. Peterson. and read at the coroner's in
quest. also charged he had been framed"
by two employees Of the postoffice, one Of
whom, J. E. Kirkland, was his victim.
The Republican party has pulled me for
over $4,000 in the last five years." he
wrote, land they are still claiming more
now. Thomas W. 0versueet. the inspec-
TOT, and Elton Kirkland, money order clerk,
are to blame for it all. They have framed
me. These donations are responsible for
my financial condition. What they have
taken away from me is why am in debt
to-day"
Authorities made public a letter found
in Peterson's pocket. in which he was d.
rected to send money to R. H. johnson,
postmaster at 0cilla. Ca. to be sent in
turn to Ben J. Davis, colored. Republican
national committeeman for Georgia. in At
lanta. 1t was dated September 81. 1927,
but bore no signature.
Peterson. who was first appointed by
President Wilson. did not elaborate on hi.
charges against Kirkland and Overstreet
Friends said he and the former had beer
In Disagreement for some time.
The United States Civil Service Com
mission has sent circular letter to ad
vertisine MANAGERS Of newspapers anC
periodicals throughout the country citinl
figures which Indicate the practical worth
lessness Of widely advertised correspond
ence courses in preparation for forest range
examinations.
The Commission says in the letter tina
il had made survey Of the examination
papers OF 1881 competitors in the fores
ranger examination held last October, dis
closing the following results:
0f675 competitors who had no cor
respondence training. 1879 passed the ex
animation.
OF 337 competitors who had taken
correspondence course in preparation 70
the examination, exactly IS passed.
Sixty-nine were non-committal as {
training in advance. All Of these failed
The Commission quoted the followin
statement from a circular recently issue
by the United States Forest Service re
gardine advertising correspondence school
which give training for forest ranger es
aminations:
Many Of the statements in these &C
vertisements are misleading and in som
cases absolutely false. These advertis,
ments frequently convey the impressio
that the rangers job is largely plsy-tim
job. or convenient means for an outin
in the woods, while, as a matter fact. II
position Of forest ranger is a permaner
one Of considerable responsibility. reQui
ing arduous work often under difficult col
ditions. and with definite requirements q
to experience and ability. Forest ServiC
officials doubt the value Of correspondent
schools under ordinary circumstances
furnishing proper preparation for fore
RANGER positions"