The Writings of Carl Schurz/To L. Q. C. Lamar, October 14th, 1886

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Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz
Carl Schurz and others, edited by Frederic Bancroft

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3497201Speeches, correspondence and political papers of Carl Schurz — To L. Q. C. Lamar, October 14thCarl Schurz and others

TO L. Q. C. LAMAR

New York, Oct. 14, 1886.

Permit me to add a postscript to my last communication. I have just received a letter from St. Louis informing me that Mr. Lancaster, the collector of customs, was asked whether there was anything in Captain Schuster's official conduct that made his resignation or removal desirable, and that Mr. Lancaster answered: “Nothing of the kind. I was pleased with him and have nothing to say against him. But political pressure forces me to discharge him at once if he refuses to hand in his resignation.” This information comes from a trustworthy man. There is, as you see, a case very similar to that of the Indianapolis post-office preparing itself at St. Louis.

I think all the heads of such offices in the country ought to be directed by Executive order, whenever they recommend or before they make a removal, to report to the respective Department at Washington reasons for it, and be held strictly responsible for the correctness of their statements. The collector of customs here, Mr. Magone, has adopted that rule, as I understand, without being ordered to do so.