The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-01-03
Officially Admitted That Re-
Vised Statutes of the
United States Have Been
Flagrantly Violated in
Making Coal Contract a
Family Affair for Gain.

The Postof1ce Department was this
morning the scene Of extraordinary aC-
tivity that may at any time bring cii-
max to the charges that high officials Of
the department are guilty of fraudulent
practices. Practically the entire morn
ing was consumed in consultation over
the matter between Postmaster General
Payne and Fourth Assistant Postmaster
General Bristow, who has Just returned
to the city
Mr. Bristow was at his desk early.
Shortly after Mr. Payne arrived Mr.
Bristow was sent for They remained IN
conference until far after noon, with the
exception of the short interval when Mr..
Bristow visited First Assistant Postmas-
ter General Wynne-
In the course of the conference, dur
ing which Mr.. Payne denied himself to
all callers. many large Law volumes
were carried into the room where the
two were cIoseted. Mr.. Cbristiancy, the
acting attorney for the department. in
the absence from the city Of the As
sistant Attorney General in charge OF
Postoffice affairs. was sent for, and was
with the Postmaster General for some
time.
Inspectors at Work.
While it is not admitted in the office
of the Fourth Assistant Postmaster Gen
era1, it has leaked out that several OF
the most trusted inspectors IN the ser
vice of the department have been de-
tailed TO follow up certain informa-
ton given in The Times. One of the
members OF the Secret Service brsnen-
said this morning lAat 10 admit .eney
we're working along these lines would
defeat their purpose.
It was officially admitted the charges
OF violation Of the statutes in respect
TO the coal contract with the firm OF
Machen Bros. Of which A W Machen.
superintendent Of the division OF free
delivery. is a member, we're well found
ed. The matter will be referred TO the
attorney for the department for legal
opinion. and upon his report viii rest
the question as 10 whether Maehen viii
be peremptorily dismissed or required
to face charges before the proper OFF,
Gals.
" uA4t NtkENE ShbINAAs W. ----a=1s
the attention of the Postmaster General
and Mr. Bristow, First Assistant POST
master General yVynne admitted that rep
resentations had been made TO him with
a request that he make use Of his infu-
ence Is a former newspaper man to call
OF the newspapers. at least until those
who are alleged TO be guilty of luisoon-
duct should have the opportunity to cover
their tracks.
Macheu Shut Out.
Mr.. Maehen made several Efforts to
reach the Postmaster General in order to
further explain his connection with Ger
tain questionable deals, but was not
granted an audience He is showing
much uneasiness. and returned to his Of
fee in an unpleasant frame Of mind
All Of his former spirit Of bravado has
disappeared, as result it is said. of in
timation from certain political support
ers that they viii not be drawn into the
matter and that he must care for him
self
The best feeling hes not prevailed be-
tween Machin and the First Assistant
Postmaster General fol some time. ac-
cording to report Despite the fact that
all appointments in the free delivery d.
vision require the signature Of the first
assistant il is said Mr. Machen has sew
eraI times endeayored to ignore Mr..
Wynn and force appointments without
the latter's approval. and over his head.
When seen in his Office this morning
Mr.. Wynn said that serious charges hav-
! ing been made by reputable newspaper
be felt it incumbent upon him TO closely
follow them. and he was quietly investl-
eating every phase OF the situation as
unearthed by The Times
Has Mr. Machen appealed TO you to
use your influence TO suppress the pres
ent publications % he was asked.
| NO. he replied.
Has anyone in behalf of Mr. Machen
| IappeaIed to you along the same lines @
| no. But if your question was worded
somewhat differently. my answer could
not be a negative
Welcome Revelations.
Continuing. Mr.. Wynn said; Both
the Postmaster General and I viii vel
come any revelations concerning the II
regularities in the Office. Regarding tbs
! letting Of the coal contract to Mr. Mach
en-. he came TO the relief OF the depart
ment when we could obtain coal no
where else. It has been a matter Of fig
uring from day to day where sufficient
coal could be secured to prevent the
closing Of the department. Mind you.
| fGontinued on Tenth Page