The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1900-05-24
Continued From Page One.

apparently accomplished because officers
appointed by and responsible to different
postmasters, and who should have a check
upon each other. entered into collision
and conspiracy to perpetrate these
wrongs on the one side, and to pass and
cover them up on the other. You will
carefully investigate by what defects of
supervision or defense they were consum-
mated and what further measures of pro-
lection In the passing and auditing of ac-
/. counts and in the handling of public funds
and property may be needed. It is de-
sired also that the central orga nization
of the post service in Cuba shall receive
your especial attention. You will exam
Inc as to whether Ii is framed in the best
manner for efficient administration. You
will see whether compatible with good
service for the people. any retrenchments
can be made, and whether economics can
be effected by a consolidation and reduc-
ton of bureaus 1t is desired to bring
the postal expenditures within the postal
revenues so far as may be consistent with
the obligation of providing a satisfactory
mail service.
Your presence in Cuba, as the repre-
sentative of the department, with these
instructions. makes you the ranking Off
Ger of the postal administration ~ will
consider and advise what removals. 9TH
err action may be required in the cause
of justice. for the interest of the govern
ment, and the people of Cuba and for the
welfare of the service
You are chosen for this duty with the
approval of the president who is deeply
shocked at the shameful betrayal of trust
on the part of the officials in whom con-
fidence had been reposed, and who d.
reefs that in dealing with all irregulari-
ties which have been or may be dis
closed. the sole rule of action shall be
thorough and complete investigat ion. the
yfenr ,-f.x
guilty persons and their swift and con-
dign punishment.
you will communicate these instruc-
lions to Gen. Wood, keeping him fully
informed as you proceed, and reporting
regularly to the department Respectfully
yours.
CHARLES EMORY SMITH,
Postmaster General
Confidence I'm the President
Continuing. Plat said:
'The people had confidence in William
Mckinley. No president while he was
president had the confidence of the people
to the degree that President Mckinley
has it. Other presidents have been canon
lied after death and 1t has been evidenced
then that they had the confidence Of tho
people, but no person In office ever escane1
the criticism and innuendo that McKi,, iev
has escaped. The people would be glad
I" ieaNe thiS investigation to him. They
know there would be no condoniny If
fraud, no covering up Of crime But when
charges are made simply for campaign
purposes think we may as well make an
investigation for ourselves"
No Army Omcer Tainted.
Further along Plat paid a high tribute
to Gen. Wood, Gen. Brooke and others AMI
said no army officer has been even charged
with anything like fraud I'm Cuba
Has the senator had his attention II.
rected to the railroad construction along
the south line of the harbor of Havana?''
inquired Tillman.
IF the senator" retorted Plat warmly.
has any information as to that railroad
l wish he would produce IT"
II did not say l had any information"
said 11llman, but II there is an investlga-
tion, will produce some witnesses"
Reckless Charges Made.
Referring to the construction OF his
railroad Plat said the names Of former
Secretary OF War Alger, with Senators
Plat and Depew. Of New York had been
used IN connection with the project s,,t
they had entered vigorous deniais Of any
connection with it, although to his mind
such denlals were unnecessary.
These charges simply show the reckless
ness Of those people who are throwing
stones at the present administration"
The Guilty VIII he Punished.
Plat said there would be no disposition
to protect Director Rathbonc II he should
he shown 10 he Involved Ia ne financial
difficulties in Cuba II he were found 10
be guilty he would Zoe punished unsparlnglv
Connnuing Plat said that Neolev had
the confidence ~ the people Of Indiana.
and before the recent disclosures his IN
tegriiy had never been questioned ami the
same was true OF Mr Rathbone The ad-
minisimtion. he thought. had exercised
proper caution in appointing these men to
office
Neeley went wrong" said Flat. and
brought disgrace and shame and hEmi,la-
ton upon Ills country rather than upon
the administration which had assumed re-
sponsih.e duties iu cuba
why We Are in Cuba.
Bacon, he said. demanded to know why
our government was in Cuba and why II
did not come away. We are there. Platt
answered. because we have been sent
"a