The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-04-24

washington, April A,-A most sensa-
tional development OF the investigation OF
the post orfice department AFFAIRS occur
red just before the department closed yes
terday, when Postmaster General Payne
announced the summary dismissal OF
James n. Tyner, assistant attorney gener-
nj for the postoffice department. coupling
with the announcement the startling
charge that aI the papers and records In
the safe Of the latter's office had been alb
stracted by Mrs. Tyner, wife OF the dis
charged officer. with the assistance OF
others.
The postmaster general states that Mrs.
Tyner has refused the demand OF the gov
ernment for the return OF the papers
taken. and says the circumstances In the
case will be submitted by him TO the de-
partment OF justice this morning.
other sensational developments are ex-
pected TO follow. The question of arrests
is now under consideration and will be
passed on Immediately by Attorney Gen
eral Knox.
The facts are told tersely in the letter
of dismissal signed by Postmaster Gener-
al Payne late yesterday afternoon and
made public tonight. The letter is as fol-
lows:
washington, April %. 1903.
James N Tyner. assistant attorney gen.
eral for the postoffice department:
"sir-You are hereby removed from the
Office of assistant attorney general Tor
the postoffioe department.
II deem IL proper to give you the rea-
FOR m arv
OF the department. Early In the month or
March I communicated to you through
mutual friend a request for your resigna-
ton. After a painful interview with you.
and a more painful one with Mrs. Tyner,
/ consented to modify the demand for
your resignation. so that Il might take
effect on May l. 1908; with the proviso,
however, that you were given leave OF alb
sence from the time OF the acceptance OF
the resignation to the date OF It's taking
effect. with the understanding that you
were not in any way to undertake TO dis
charge the duties OF the office.
OPENED THE SAFE.
Late yesterday afternoon Mrs. Tyner
came to the office OF the assistant attor-
ney general for the postoffice department.
entering In the regular way. went through
the main office to the private office.clos
ing the door behind her. She then un-
hall into the private room and admitted
her sister, Mrs. Barrett, whose son was
formerly assistant in your office, and
whose conduct Is now under investigation
by the department
''She also admitted, in the same manner.
Mr.. G. @. Hammer an expert In the en-
ploy OF the Mosier Safe company, with
whom she had made an arrangement TO
meet her at the department At her di-
rection Mr.. Hammer opened the safe I'm
the room. ana she took therefrom all
papers. records and articles OF every kind
and carried them away with her.
Immediately upon learning what had
been done, / directed the fourth assist
ant postmaster general TO send two in
spectors to your house to demand. In the
name of the postmaster general, the de-
livery TO them OF any papers, documents
or other materials which had been alb
stracted from the safe.
This demand was refused by Mrs. Ty-
ner: and she likewise refused TO permit
tie inspectors to see you or TO see and
examine the papers In her presence. Mrs.
Tyner further stated TO the post office
inspectors that she committed the act
with your knowledge and by your direct
ion. Further comment on this transac-
tion. on my part. Is not necessary.
The facts in the case will be submit
ted to the attorney general OF the United
States for such action in the premises