The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-10

lions of this sum is estimated for main
tenance of the service in operation. and
for new extension of the service the ad-
ditional Sl,000,G00 is asked.
Reference, at length, is made to the
abuses in connection with second class
matter, along the lines OF the last annual
report. The elimination of these abuses.
Mr.. Smith states, would effect saving
of from ST., 00G, 600 TO $50, COO, coo per an
mum, and would pave the way for legiti-
mate postal service improvement in other
directions. He further says that IL is a
misconception to believe that the pro
posed legislation is TO deprive legitimate
publications of privileges which the exist;
ing law intends they should possess,
and it is not sought to change the policy
of the present law or 10 abridge the priv
ileges it confers upon regular and legiti-
mate publications for the dissemination
of public intelligence. 1t is aimed at the
serial paper covered books. at the private
house organs at spurious trade journ-
ais. and sheets of an exclusive advertis-
ing character at bulk distribution, false
iy called subscriptions. and AT the repeat
ed turn and over-turn by news agents of
unsold periodicals.
The Cuban Frauds
Tie report, In regard TO Cuba states
The postal system established in Cuba
following American occupation has given
the people OF that island a better mail
service than they had ever before enjoyed.
together with some valuable facilities
like the money order branch. which they
had never possessed at all Unfortunate
iy, its administration was stained for
time by frauds and pecuiations of the
most shameful character. Under the fiscal
system of the military government the
postal receipts were Deposited in the ISL
and treasury and The expenditures were
met by acquisitions and warrants drawn
on the treasury. This method justified
and required examination of books. ac
counts. and vouchers by the Inspector
Generals Bureau and during such an ex-
animation early in May it was discovered
that continuous course of embezzlement
had been going on for a period of some
months. The immediate culprit to whom
the disclosures pointed, who was chief
of the Bureau of Finance, was then absent
in the United States. but upon Il contiden-
tial telegra phic indication he was prompt
ly arrested.
Directly upon the exposure Joseph l..
Bristow. Fourth Assistant Postmaster
General. was directed to proceed with
force of inspectors to Cuba and make
thorough investigation. He was instruct
ed not only to probe every phase of the
wrongs to the bottom without sparing but
to make such reorganization of the ser
vice as in his judgment might be expe-
dent in order 10 assure its honesty econ
omy. and efficiency. His arriva! at Ha-
vana was promptly followed by his APP
pointment as acting director general of
posts in place of E. G. Rathbope, suspend
ed and afterward removed. Mr.. Bristow
discharged the duty contided to him with
CONNIE nfa blp energy and pau.rity and
swerving rectitude and rigor. The ulcers
were cut out retrenchment was vigorous
ly enforced and the administrative organ
ization. which had been perverted from its
original plan, was restored TO q sound and
healthy basis.
MIR. Bristow's Report.
''Mr. Bristow's very complete and ex-
haustive report, setting forth infinitely
the character, method and extent of the
peculations. was given 10 the public some
months ago and renders II unnecessary 10
repeat the story in detail here. He found
that the total amount of the thefts, as
nearly as could be ascertained, was
SI3l 1883: and that. though manifestly
guided by one master spirit. they were
perpetrated through the collision of Off
GERS who joined in conspiracy for that
purpose.
iHes' iiduuf' were hoi hsdHtiiiat eu
through lack of such precautions and safe
guards as experience and prudence would
provide The postal organization had
been prepared with care, under plans of
the best talent and training the service
could furnish The United States as
sumed charge January |, 1899. In antici-
patton of that obligation. early in De-
cember, 1895, a committee of postal ex-
perts was sent to Cuba to make thor
ough examination. and report the frame
work and structure of a suitable system
II was composed of A. W. Machen, super
intendent OF free delivery; A. w. Bling
ham. chief Of the finance division; J. NJ
Masten. assistant superintendent Of the