Evening star., 1933-12-01
Denies "Deserving Demo-
Gratis" Will Get Jobs at Ex-
pense Of Old Employees.
CHANGES ARE LIMITED
TO NATURAL VACANCIES
Farley Announces Intention to
Hold Conversation With Com.
missioner on Return.

Reports that a number Of deserving"
Democrats would be given positions in
the District service were met by a state
ment from Commissioner Melvin G.
HaZen today that present employees
would not be dismissed to make way
for political appointees
In carefully phrased statement, the
Commissioner indicated, however, that
some political appointments may be
made to fill vacancies that occur
through voluntary designations, retire
ments for age, and deaths.
You can say" Mr.. Hazen told news
paper men, that no present employe
will be fired just to make a place for
a political appointee. There will be
some changes due to vacancies created
oy voluntary designations, retirements
for age and deaths"
Confers With OMahoney.
At the same time it was disclosed
that Postmaster General Farley, chief
patronage dispenser for President
Roosevelt, had written to Commits
sloner Hazen, announcing his inten-
tion OF holding lengthy conversation
with him upon his return to Wash
ington. Mr.. Farley has gone to Eu-
rope for brief vacation.
1t also was revealed that Commits
sioner George E. Allen recently con-
ferred with Acting Postmaster Joseph
E. OMahoney. All Allen would say
was that he had known OMahoney
for long time and had discussed
with him the purchase of stamps"
Others believe the question of patron
age was touched on, since Allen did
not directly deny the subject had
been raised.
Both Commissioners Hazen and Allen
reiterated, however, that despite politi-
cal pressure that has been brought to
bear on them to fill positions in the
District government with deserving"
Democrats, there would be no carpet
bagging" or wholesale shake-ups in the
municipal service.
Changes May Be Delayed.
1t is not yet known how many jobs
In the District government will be given
to the deserving" Democrats. but the
impression prevails that the number
will not be large. The changes prob
ably will be delayed until the Senate
acts on the appointments of the two
new civilian Commissioners.
Although there had been reports that
a movement was under way to DESTROY
the quasi Civil Service status enjoyed
by District employees, the Commissioners
nave indicated they would not indorse
such a plan. The Civil Service regula-
tons, promulgated by Executive order
during the Hoover administration to
apply only to the District Government,
required the filling of positions by can
dldateS on the register of the Civil
Service Commission, but offered no pro-
lection against dismiSsals.
Despite the existence of the Civil
Service requirements, it was recalled at
the District Building. that in some cases
in the past, department heads had been
selected who lacked a Civil Service
status.
Brides Post Sought.
The position of corporation counsel
OF the District is one Of the principal
elements in the political stew. Ever
since the advent of the Roosevelt ad-
ministration candidates have been cam
paigning for that job. The position is
now held by w. w. Bride, who has a
record as an active Democrat, and has
some influential Democratic support,
although he came into Office during
Republican presidential administration.
On the other hand, it is said, he was
named by a Democratic member of
the Boad Of Commissioners, Sidney F.
Taliaferro.
Requests have been made also for the
ming OF number of other positions
with Democrats
suggestions have been made of GER
TAIN persons for such jobs as District
assessor, the head Of the District play.
ground department and others.