How was Elizabeth Van Lew able to speak with prisoners even as authorities tried to prevent it?

.. She even helped prisoners plan their escape, hiding many of them briefly in her home. ... burial and was able to tell Van Lew's operatives where it had taken place.

it provided for selection of government employees through competitive examinations. it also made it unlawful to fire or demote covered employees for political reasons or to require them to give political service or payment, and it set up a civil service commission to enforce the law.

explanation:

i really really really really really really dont know