The New York Nation tells a curious story a, propos
of the "spoils " system. The post of letter-carrier in aWestern city was wanted by a Republican Congressman for a political supporter. Accordingly, a very respectable postman of Democratic principles was called upon to resign. Contrary to usage, however, the man refused to do so, and stuck to his post. The Post Office Department, under pressure from the Congressman, then ordered the man's removal ; but even this did not suffice, for the intrepid letter-carrier only retorted by forwarding to Washington letters of remonstrance from many of the leading citizens on his beat. The next move in the game was thoroughly characteristic of the latest phase of American public life. The member of Congress declared that the man for whom the post was wanted was a veteran of the Civil War. Not to be outdone on this "lay," the postman answered the plea by a petition for his retention signed by 600 old soldiers "whose mail he had been carrying for years." He " saw " the enemy's veteran, in fact, and went 599 better. Nevertheless, the process of turning him out was proceeded with, and the papers appointing his successor were actually being made out, when the man's wife appeared in Washington and opened a personal campaign on her husband's behalf. "At last advices, this indefatigable person was reported to be chasing the obdurate Member of Congress round the city, determined to convert him with the testi- monials she carried with her."
Previous page
